Heritage Lab Community Interest Company have purchased the Old Wine Warehouse in Charlotte Court and aims to return the building to public use as a landmark of enterprise, arts and entertainment in east Kent supporting local talent. Last used as a restaurant called Age and Sons and before that as a martial arts club the building will reopen as a creative co-working space (called Thrive), restaurant/café, performance venue and speakeasy/bar.
The project will be funded through a combination of grants and loans from Kent County Council’s No Use Empty Scheme, Kent Community Foundation and the Architectural Heritage Fund and will provide 3 new work spaces.
Bernie Morgan, Chair of Heritage Lab CIC said “We want to help regenerate our town by bringing disused heritage buildings back into life to boost jobs and stimulate growth in our fantastic town. Thrive is the first of our curiously creative projects and thanks to the generous help of our partners we will be able to get this building supporting the local community and creative sector”.
The site will create 15-25 new jobs on site and support up to 75 creative jobs stimulating further growth in the local economy.
Derek Murphy, KCC Cabinet Member for Economic Development said “Kent’s No Use Empty scheme is pleased to be working with Heritage Lab CIC to bring this commercial property in a conservation area back into use.
The property has been vacant for 8 years and once refurbished will provide new employment opportunities for local people and make a significant contribution to the regeneration of Ramsgate town centre”.