Repurposing old buildings is often not straightforward and that has been the case on this project. A number of technical complications have delayed us a little, but we’re delighted to have building work underway and are looking forward to bringing the building back in to use for the benefit of the people of Ramsgate.

The ground floor will be a café/restaurant with an outdoor seating area in Charlotte Court; the first floor a coworking studio called Ramsgate Works, with both permanent and hotdesking spaces; and the basement a bar and intimate performance venue.

Building works include removing existing fittings, dividing the space into three units, upgrading fire safety, removing one of the staircases, and installing new bathrooms, electrics, plumbing, ventilation and a new heating system using air source heat pumps and electric radiators.

The principal designer and architects are the Ramsgate-based del Renzio & del Renzio and the principal contractor is Coastal Construction Ltd.

The £600,000 project is funded through a combination of grants and loans from Kent County Council, Kent Community Foundation and the Architectural Heritage Fund.