The Boating Pool was one of six coastal sites around the UK chosen to take part in a brand new TV series which aims to prove that regeneration can rekindle public affection for our seaside attractions and, most importantly, stimulate a growth in business income for the local community.
The revamp is due to be featured on the new Virgin 1 TV show, ‘The Great British Holiday Makeover’, fronted by proud Scotsman Bannatyne and scheduled to hit our screens in early summer 2010.
Dating back to the 1920s
The site, which is now leased by Mr Thalis Thalis, was originally opened as a tea pavilion and bandstand in 1926 by HRH the Prince of Wales.
In the early 1950s, the bandstand was demolished and a boating pool and play area installed. Now Grade II-isted, the site was in dire need of renovation, with an urgent requirement to replace the tatty galvanised triple-point palisade fencing attached to a run of temporary fencing topped by barbed wire which surrounds the play area.
Since this area backs on to a four-foot drop to the promenade, the design of a secure and safe perimeter fence which blended with the elegant design of the buildings surrounding the pool was a number one priority.
Jacksons Fencing was asked to make recommendations for replacing the fencing at the front of the playground. In the interest of supporting a local regeneration project, the company offered to fund 50% of the fencing renovation works, and proposed a specially-designed railing system that would meet with all design, safety and security considerations. The balance of funding comes courtesy of Thanet District Council.
The final choice of fencing provides an aesthetically pleasing solution in keeping with the character of the site, but with no compromise on safety and meeting with all current British Standards.
The simple, clean lines of the new fence echo traditional wrought iron railings, but feature an anti-trap design and the added strength and durability of galvanized and powder-coated steel. In addition, the fencing also delivers a lasting legacy in that it’s backed by the Jacksons Fencing’s standard 25-year service life guarantee.
One week is all that it took…
In true TV style, Jacksons Fencing was given just one week to develop the design and manufacture, galvanize and powder coat the fence panels and posts before shipping to site for installation from 17 August just gone.
Commenting on the project, Mr Thalis told SMT Online: “I’m delighted with the transformation of the site. The replacement of the fencing was key to the success of this project. Not only was the existing barrier an eye sore, but it also represented a major safety hazard for the children enjoying the play area facility.”
He continued: “Jacksons Fencing provided a bespoke solution in record time which delivers the right level of protection. They also managed to complement the original grace and charm of the architecture.”
Certainly, the new boundary fencing has helped to restore the site to its former glory and the children’s play area is now safely protected from the drop to the promenade without restricting the wonderful sea views.
Bringing people back to the seaside
Brian White, the director of regeneration services at Thanet District Council, commented: “These historic buildings are an important part of Ramsgate’s promenade, but in a way their condition reflected the gradual decline of seaside holidays, resulting in lack of investment to seafront areas, which in turn made them less attractive to visitors. Happily, this project has shown that a thoughtful approach, without excessive cost, can improve not just the business but also the surrounding area. Bringing holiday makers and locals back so that they can enjoy the seaside is what it’s all about.”
It’s hoped that grant assistance may be provided to allow the fencing around the entire play area to be replaced with this new style fencing.
