Thanet District Council Seeks Visionary Operator to Lead Flagship Arts Venue from 2027

Thanet District Council is inviting theatre operators to apply to take a long-term lease on the newly refurbished historic Theatre Royal in Margate. Colliers’ Licensed & Leisure team has been appointed by the council to manage the appointment process.

Proposals are currently being sought from organisations to deliver a high-quality theatrical programme. This programme must appeal to both local residents and visitors, while also demonstrating long-term cost recovery. The aim is for the redeveloped theatre to serve as the core of a dynamic new arts hub.

The Theatre Royal, which is the second oldest operating theatre in Britain, was originally built in 1787. Its historical significance is underscored by its Grade II listing, which places it among the top 8% of listed buildings. A redesign took place in 1874 by Jethro T. Robinson, who was father-in-law to the renowned Victorian theatre architect, Frank Matcham.

It is being restored at a cost of £6 million, with funding from the government’s Town Deal programme.

A planning application and listed building consent have been submitted for the refurbishment of the Theatre Royal Margate. The plans, developed by Foster Wilson Size architects (specialists in revitalising historic venues), envision a theatre with approximately 480 seats.

Colliers and Thanet District Council hopes to engage an operator by the end of summer 2026 so that they can start planning the programme for opening.

The restoration of the Theatre Royal is a continuation of a wave of regeneration that has transformed Margate over the past 20 years. Other initiatives have included Turner Contemporary, designed by world famous architect David Chipperfield, restoration of Dreamland, as a heritage amusement park and music venue, and Tracey Emin’s TKE Studios, created from a former Edwardian bathhouse.  The historic Margate Winter Gardens, currently being refurbished, will add to the list. The town now boasts trendy boutiques, restaurants and hotels, especially in its atmospheric old town.

Thanet District Council is offering an exciting opportunity for the Theatre Royal operator to expand their activities and generate additional revenue through the potential occupancy of 19 Hawley Square, a former hotel directly opposite the theatre. Restoration of this building is contingent on securing funding, but once complete, it could be used to provide valuable resources such as rehearsal rooms and accommodation for visiting performers.

Cllr Ruth Duckworth, Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Property for Thanet District Council, said “The Theatre Royal is a link to Margate’s theatrical heritage. We have a responsibility to ensure its next chapter is its best yet. This building has stood since 1787, and while its history is remarkable, our focus is firmly on its future and what it can offer the people who live here.

“We are mindful that this £6 million investment from the Town Deal must do more than just fix the roof and restore the plasterwork. It needs to create a living, breathing space that provides jobs and gives our community a venue they can be truly proud of.

“We are looking for a partner who understands that balance. An organisation that can deliver a brilliant programme of shows that local families will love, while making sure the theatre stands on its own two feet financially.

“There is still much to do before we can open the doors in 2027, but by finding the right operator now, we can make sure they are involved in the final stages of the journey. We want to see this historic stage back in service as a cultural hub and home of entertainment for years to come.”

Paul Bugeja, Director in Colliers’ Licensed & Leisure team, said: “The Theatre Royal represents a genuinely rare opportunity in the leisure and cultural sector, a historically significant venue in a town that has demonstrated real appetite for arts and culture. We are looking forward to working with Thanet District Council to find an operator with the vision and expertise to make this theatre a landmark destination once again.”