An iconic British coastal town is experiencing a decline in activity as a significant number of shops remain unoccupied, deterring day-trippers from visiting.
When envisioning British seaside destinations, typical scenes of sandy beaches, the scent of fish and chips in the air, the sound of arcade games, and the indulgence of ice cream come to mind. While many coastal areas in the UK offer this classic experience, the reality for numerous seaside towns is a struggle due to various economic challenges. Coastal towns generally face lower median wages compared to inland areas, receive less funding for education than urban counterparts, and exhibit higher rates of health issues like obesity, smoking, and substance abuse, as reported by Prospect.
Although some British coastal towns like Broadstairs thrive, others like Ramsgate in Kent are grappling with economic stagnation. Express journalist Millie Bull observed a noticeable decline in Ramsgate, once bustling with unique shops and eateries that attracted a steady flow of visitors.
A recent report by Kent Online in 2024 revealed that around 65 shop units, nearly a quarter of the total, were vacant in Ramsgate, surpassing the national average of one in seven empty shops. The situation is even more alarming as over half of the shops in Ramsgate are not listed for sale or rent.
Jack Gilhooly, owner of Sherley’s pet shop on Queen Street, expressed concerns about the town’s economic downturn, stating that businesses in Ramsgate are struggling to survive due to the lack of foot traffic and customer spending.
In response to the crisis, initiatives like Ramsgate Space have emerged to fill empty shop spaces and support small businesses. Louise Brookes, the founder of Ramsgate Space, emphasized the importance of revitalizing the town center to improve the overall local atmosphere.
Kent County Council has also taken steps to address the issue by transforming the derelict Old Wine Warehouse into functional spaces for businesses, including offices, a café, and a bar with performance areas. The council’s No Use Empty scheme contributed financial support to this project.
While Ramsgate faces economic challenges, neighboring towns like Deal, Margate, Broadstairs, and Whitstable have experienced a resurgence, attracting visitors with trendy shops and dining options. Deal received praise from food critic Grace Dent, Broadstairs is recognized as a desirable place to live, and Whitstable is nicknamed ‘Chelsea-on-sea’ for its charm. Meanwhile, Margate remains lively with its attractions like Dreamland amusement park and vibrant bars.
Residents are puzzled by Ramsgate’s struggles compared to the success of nearby towns like Broadstairs and Margate, prompting questions about the town’s future prospects.
