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Dundee House in Ramsgate – formerly owned by Thanet District Council – set for transformation under new plans

A historic row of Georgian terraced buildings previously used as council offices could be brought back to their former glory under new plans.

In papers submitted to Thanet District Council, Dundee House in Albion Place, Ramsgate, has been eyed up by developer Arcvelop – a firm with London and Valencia links.

A CGI of how the exterior at Dundee House, Ramsgate, could look. Picture: Arcvelop
A CGI of how the exterior at Dundee House, Ramsgate, could look. Picture: Arcvelop

If approved, the property could see 10 one-bed flats and five two-bed flats incorporated on the site.

Developers have stressed the buildings would not be knocked down completely and the only demolition proposed would be minimal to create “additional space to the rear for car parking, cycle parking and waste collection”.

A previous version of plans to redevelop the site included the total demolition and rebuilding the existing structure.

Papers submitted by Arcvelop to the local authority said: “The proposal will provide high-quality living space.

“It will also provide a significant benefit to the local area by rejuvenating a prominent site at the harbour and providing much-needed housing in this area at an affordable level.

Developers say the original building will remain with significant alterations to its appearance to create four townhouses. Picture: Arcvelop
Developers say the original building will remain with significant alterations to its appearance to create four townhouses. Picture: Arcvelop

“Formerly a terrace of properties it now presents as one single façade, bookended by the more ornate facades of Victoria House and Albion House.

“The applicant has secured an option to acquire the building and would like to take a more sustainable approach to the regeneration of the site.

“They do not consider it necessary, sustainable or desirable to demolish the building and instead would like to reconfigure and refurbish the building to bring it back to its original use.”

Built in the 18th century and damaged in the Second World War, the property was later passed on to Ramsgate Town Council and then Thanet District Council until the late 1970s.

The terraced site, located next to the Albion House hotel, was sold to Angus Dundee Ltd and let as offices but saw a decline in interest over the years and has sat empty since its last tenants departed in April 2022.

The original layout of Dundee House, Ramsgate, and its neighbours from a 1947 aerial photograph. Picture: Arcvelop
The original layout of Dundee House, Ramsgate, and its neighbours from a 1947 aerial photograph. Picture: Arcvelop
Dundee House, Ramsgate, was once owned by Thanet District Council
Dundee House, Ramsgate, was once owned by Thanet District Council

Previous plans to fully demolish and rebuild the property – creating 12 apartments and two private houses in the process – won the approval of council bosses in 2020 but were deemed to be unviable by developers.

Bosses behind the project this time around would repaint the façades to create the appearance of four townhouses each with their own entrances.

Fitting of traditional balconies on the first floor of the building and refitting modern sash-style windows would also complete the overall appearance.

The redevelopment of the area could also include changes to the Grade-II listed building Victoria House next door – a separate building which has been granted planning permission in 2021 for a five-storey building with nine apartments and maisonettes.

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