After what seems like years of talk about bringing the Margate Harbour Arm back into use, it seems as if work has finally begun.

The harbour arm houses thirteen units, but currently only one is in use – the work now underway will convert the units for a variety of new uses, including a cafe, a resteraunt, four retail spaces, two artists studios, a gallery and two stores for commercial fishermen.

It has already been confirmed that the new gallery space will house Gallery IOTA, who left their cliff top home in Ramsgate last year. IOTA had a fantastic track record in Ramsgate, so I can only see their relocation as a boon for Margate.

The work will also introduce a new artistic lighting scheme to to illuminate the lighthouse, droit house and the upper walkway of the arm. The scheme will comprise of 40 multicolour LED lights, which visitors will be ale to control the colour, pattern and frequency of via text message.

I covered Nobert Attard’s light installation last year and suspect that the new lighting scheme could be along similar lines.

Cllr. Roger Latchford, Cabinet Member for Culture and Economy, said:

This project will provide a major boost for Margate’s regeneration and is the latest sign that the fortunes of the town are improving. The Harbour Arm is something that everyone sees as they arrive in Margate and it’s vital that we use it to its full potential. Creating units that can be used for catering, retail and arts here, while retaining space for the fishermen, will help to do just that.

You might get a better idea of the work by viewing the planning application.

Due to the huge response to last month’s story regarding Ann Carrington’s “Shell Ladies”, I am working on a post focusing on the shortlisted projects that lost out. It should arrive some time next month.