An ambitious project to transform a beachfront with a new pavilion cafe and repairing a historic lift has been unveiled.

The plans put forward by Thanet District Council for the Walpole Bay area in Margate include improvements along the promenade while boasting new facilities also include space to host yoga and art classes.

Pitched as Coastal Wellbeing – one of four themes that make up the Margate Town Deal - the £1.8 million Walpole Bay proposals are divided into two sections – Access Walpole and Testing New Uses.

TDC says the issues around access to the beach need improving to ensure all people can enjoy the waterfront,

In formal proposals which are now out for public consultation, the council says: “Without access to a working lift, some people are limited to exploring the clifftop.

“The plan is that the running of the lift and maintenance will be supported through new commercial opportunities within the beach facilities at the bay.

“Bringing back the lift will bring the sea and clifftop communities together, achieving access for everyone.

“The purpose of the Testing New Uses project is to construct a new beach-side pavilion that can cater for the many varied users of Walpole Bay.

“The building and associated structures will incorporate a cafe, a bookable wellbeing space, swimmer facilities (changing rooms, outdoor showers, lockers), store rooms, public toilets and potential lifeguard facilities.”

Building work is estimated to cost £1.8m while a further £500,000 has been allocated for a programme to promote the benefits of coastal activities – taking the total investment to £2.3m.

TDC was awarded £22.2 million of government funding for the Margate Town Deal in March 2021 and the funding contributes to a long-term regeneration programme which is due to be delivered by March 2026.

With the funding committed to the development and rejuvenation of the sandy beach at Walpole Bay, it is hoped the works could commence by late 2024 with hopes of completing the project by summer 2025.

Falling under the Access Walpole banner, the repairing of the historic lift at the beach has been a long-term ambition for many residents and politicians.

The Grade-II listed structure was originally installed by the Ministry of Health in the 1930s to encourage people to enjoy the benefits of living by the coast which included swimming in the nearby tidal pool or walking along the shoreline.

Works to the mechanics of the lift are anticipated to start early next year, while listed building consent is sought for works to the lift structure and exterior.

As part of the Testing New Uses scheme, suggestions for the new pavilion include building it out of storage containers with a possible seven locations put forward for the new build.

Residents are being asked their views on how the community space proposed in the facility could be used – with TDC suggesting art classes, yoga, festivals and educational events could all be viable.

Possible improvements to the tidal pool are being also considered, with bosses behind the project facing restrictions due to the constraints of the site designations and its status as a listed structure.

A public drop-in session to discuss the proposals took place yesterday at the Walpole Bay Hotel in Margate where the plans will remain on display for the next two weeks with the public invited to give feedback and share their views on the proposals and add any suggestions.

Cllr Ruth Duckworth (Lab), TDC cabinet member for regeneration and property, said: “Improving the access to Walpole Bay is a really important part of what we plan to make happen.

“Coming along to this drop-in event will give people a chance to see potential solutions very early on in the project process. We want people to share their thoughts on where the new building could go and also what the building could best be used for.

“At this stage, there won’t be final designs to choose from or details about the facilities but that will come later and there will be a chance to comment on those before they go to planning.

“In the meantime, I’d urge people to visit the displays now and be part of the journey so that we make the right decisions for Walpole Bay’s future, together.”

The exhibition will be open daily at the Walpole Bay Hotel from until October 23 for people to drop in between 10am and 7pm.