I asked experts how to revitalise Thanet’s economy

I posted a request for replies to an expert exchange asking “How can we improve Thanet’s economy?”

I received two answers which I have faithfully reproduced here.

Embrace Thanet’s Creative Sector, Saddat Abid, CEO, Property Saviour

Thanet’s economic struggles are certainly a challenge, but as someone who’s been involved in real estate for years, I’ve seen how areas can transform with the right approach. The situation in Thanet reminds me of some of the neglected properties I’ve worked on—with vision and effort, they can become thriving spaces again.

One of the most promising developments I’ve noticed is the growth of Thanet’s creative sector. According to a report commissioned by Thanet District Council, there’s been an 84% growth in creative businesses over just four years. That’s incredible momentum! It reminds me of how a single renovation project can spark interest in an entire area.

Creativity isn’t just about art—it’s about reimagining what’s possible for a community. It’s like giving a fresh coat of paint to the entire economy.

The Turner Contemporary gallery in Margate has been a real catalyst. The report found that 60% of creative businesses surveyed had moved to Thanet since it opened in 2011. It’s a great example of how a flagship project can attract talent and investment.

Another avenue worth exploring is the growing green economy. Thanet has seen above-average development in renewable energy, particularly around the former Richborough Power Station site. This sector could provide much-needed jobs and economic diversity.

Community involvement is key too. I’ve seen how local pride can transform an area. In Thanet, 70% of creative sector workers volunteer in the community. That kind of engagement can be infectious and help change perceptions of the area.

Education and skills development are crucial. The local plan aims to support the expansion of further and higher education facilities. This could help address the skills gap that’s been deterring investors.

Last but not least, leveraging Thanet’s coastal location for tourism and leisure could provide a significant boost. With some investment in infrastructure and marketing, the area could attract more visitors year-round.

It’s a long road ahead, but with these initiatives and the community’s resilience, I believe Thanet has the potential to turn its fortunes around.

Implement Business Incubators, Mohammed Kamal, Business Development Manager, Olavivo

Thanet can tackle its economic challenges by implementing a multifaceted strategy to revitalize local retail and services. Establishing a business incubator would support entrepreneurs with mentorship, funding access, and workspace, attracting new businesses to the main street. Successful examples, such as the “High Streets Heritage Action Zones” initiative in various UK towns, demonstrate the potential for local economic improvement through community engagement and support.

Do you agree?

Do these men in suits have a good point? Or, do you think they have missed something?

What do you say would improve Thanet’s economy?

#business #TDC #ThanetSCreatives #TurnerContemporary

More than 300 British artists demand #TurnerContemporary take stand against “ongoing genocide in #Gaza” - World Socialist Web Site

#BritishArtistsAgainstGenocide #BritishArtists #GazaGenocide

https://www.wsws.org/en/articles/2024/01/08/hfti-j08.html

Daytrip channels Margate's rippled beach in revamped Turner Contemporary store

Design studio Daytrip looked to Margate's dramatic beach landscape when designing this shop for the Turner Contemporary gallery, which sits perched on the town's seafront.

The David Chipperfield-designed gallery, distinguished by its opaque glass shell and expansive ocean views, recently reopened after a renovation project that included the shop along with a new cafe and common areas.

The revamped Turner Contemporary store looks out over Margate beach (top and above)

Located in the lobby, the shop's existing retail shell was designed to be highly flexible and to reflect the building's gallery spaces, with poured screed flooring, linear glazing and a prominent ribbed concrete ceiling.

Daytrip designed a new fit-out for the store that reflects both the building's architecture and the lifelong admiration that the gallery's namesake, landscape painter JMW Turner, held for Margate and its surrounding landscape in southern England.

Pigment-dyed timber panels were inspired by Margate beach

"As we began putting materials together for the scheme, we wanted to capture the light and patterning of the beach," Daytrip studio co-founder Iwan Halstead told Dezeen.

"Margate beach and its seafront changes dramatically from season to season. As the tide pushes out, the beaches transform into radical landscapes of striation and patterning," he added.

"On a sunny day, the rippled beaches are captured with shadows and glistening pools of water. We also noticed the effect of the salt spray and rainwater on the metal architectural elements – a dappled weathering effect that adds natural patina and cloudy lustre to the exterior."

Display stands are backed with clear, textured fibreglass

This natural texture is referenced in the mottled grey veneer panels that line a portion of the walls.

Their unique, painterly pattern was created using a method developed by Berlin studio Llot llov, which involves covering pigment-dyed timber with salt crystals that absorb a portion of the colour.

"It felt naturally appropriate and subtle enough to line the display wall of the gallery and a number of the tables' surfaces," said Halstead.

"We paired this with textured cathedral glass shelving, chosen for its fluid, water-like appearance that allows light to transfer dappled shadowing on the veneered surfaces and the existing Chipperfield concrete floor."

All of the elements in the store can be moved to make space for events

A vertical shelving system, which showcases artworks, prints and posters, is backed with a translucent layer of fibreglass.

"Its inherent gossamer nature when illuminated by the sunlight creates beautiful patterning and highlights its fibrous textures – cloudy and ethereal – like many of JMW Turner's artworks," Halstead explained.

The store's furniture was constructed from "humble" materials such as grey Valchromat – a wood fibreboard that is treated with several coats of lacquer to create a high, reflective sheen. This is paired with matt, white-oiled oak, which the studio chose for its sandy hue.

Rippled glass shelves reflect the light streaming in through the panoramic windows

Daytrip's renovation also includes the creation of a merchandising system based on the approach of a magazine editorial.

The display tables and plinths can be organised into formations that create narratives with and around the products, linking back to Margate's wider creative community and its makers.

The building's ribbed concrete ceiling is left exposed

The display system also includes a workbench that is used for group discussions and workshops and invites visitors to congregate. All of the fixtures can be moved to accommodate large-scale events and talks.

Previously, Daytrip has created an eclectic office for a media company in London's Clerkenwell and renovated a five-storey townhouse in Clapton.

Photography is byStåle Eriksen.

The post Daytrip channels Margate's rippled beach in revamped Turner Contemporary store appeared first on Dezeen.

#retail #all #interiors #uk #margate #kent #turnercontemporary