Port Masterplan 2011

The Ramsgate Port and Royal Harbour Masterplan  2011 is to be discussed by the Cabinet Advisory Group on 26 January 2012. The plan is available to view here.

It is quite a good document which is directing Ramsgate waterfront in the right direction, it draws on some outdated planning policies but makes no reference to the long awaited Core Strategy document which seems to have disappeared into oblivion

The section on the Ramsgate Slipways is rather ambiguous, leaving the door open for some sort of development on the site


More pedestrianisation is recommended, with a rationalisation of car parking to reduce its impact on Military Road, Smeaton's Crosswall, Harbour Parade and Pier Yard. An events space is recommended for Pier Yard.and an improved pedestrian space at the Harbour Street / Harbour Parade road crossing.

Rationalisation of land in the New Port area is a welcome sign for maximising the commercial potential of the non-historical part of the port, including extending commercial opportunities onto the undercliffe area on the landward side of the port.

The document brings together most of the items which have been discussed in a fragmented way about the Port and Royal Harbour and is a good framework for taking forward a viable business model for the area.

It recognises the need for a prestigious building between the Western end of the Royal Harbour and the New Port and hopefully paves the way for something along the lines of the following sketch.

Inclusion of residential accommodation in the harbour is still mentioned but this should be treated with great caution as on many occasions objections about noise etc, by relatively new residents has forced the closure of long established commercial enterprises to the overall detriment to an area. Any residential development should be strictly controlled and only allowed in conjunction with a commercial and related marine use.

“Anchors Away !”

“A-vast behind, pieces of eight, dastardly deeds are afoot down in Davy Jones’ Locker.

Keel-haul the duffers and make them walk the plank. - Me hearties!”

Well -er actually NO.   It’s true they lost a gold anchor, probably melted down for bling at the lodge and the tall ships have disappeared over the horizon but there are small sparks of glimmering light at the end of a long tunnel.

Plans for replacement of pontoons, London Array HQ under construction, slipways demolition rejected, rumours of the Maritime Museum opening in the Spring, a harbour review, discussion papers on the future of the Harbour, Port and Ramsgate town as a whole. Perhaps the message about “listening to the people” has got through at last, or perhaps it’s just election year (cynical or what?)

Anyhow, it’s about time we raised the profile of the Royal Harbour and realised the potential role it can play in the regeneration of Thanet, not just as a tourist attraction and a fun palace but as a working port, pleasure marina and a Royal historic harbour.

I believe the Ramsgate Royal Harbour is the most important asset in Thanet, dare I say it, even more important for regeneration than the holy grail (TC), so over the next few days I am going to explore various aspects of the Royal Harbour, its history, its attractions, its workings and its future, feel free to agree or disagree in the comments section.