Like many we have been mystified by the process to sell the Granville Theatre and the lack of clarity and unexplained early dismissal of the bid from the Kent Film Foundation. Hopefully there may be some changes towards greater transparency in any future community asset sale but it is time to put that behind us and welcome the new owners.
From the Isle of Thanet News this week we learn that the new owner of the Granville Theatre in Ramsgate has been selected by Thanet District Council and named as Westwood One Ltd – which also operates Under 1 Roof Thanet in Pysons Road and Under 1 Roof Canterbury.
The company is headed up by Ramsgate sisters Zahra and Parisa Tarjomani and Pyramid Martial Arts & Just Kids Parties owner Matt Milchard. Their stated plans for the building are to bring it back into use as a theatre and cinema with café and community arts space. They aim to return the building to one auditorium – as was the case in the 1940s – with a 600+ seater capacity, full regeneration of the theatre space, a sea view café and bar, exhibition space, co-working space, workshop and education space.
The Ramsgate Society will support these aims and offer whatever support we can.
Terry Prue