From Wine Warehouse to Workspace
A new chapter in Ramsgate’s regeneration began this week with the official opening of the Old Wine Warehouse – a revitalised Victorian building transformed into an enterprise, arts, and entertainment hub in the heart of the town.
Originally built by local wine merchants Page & Sons – believed to be the UK’s oldest privately-owned wine business – the Old Wine Warehouse has played many roles in the town’s history. It once stored and bottled wine and sherry, as well as receiving weekly deliveries of Guinness lowered into the cellar by hand-operated lift (remnants of which still remain visible today).
Located in Charlotte Court, the newly repurposed building now boasts three distinct spaces across its three floors: the recently-opened Ramsgate Works, a dynamic coworking space on the first floor; Ramsgate Arts Club, a 60-seat creative performance space in the basement; and a commercial unit on the ground floor with the potential for a café/restaurant and outdoor seating area.
The project is the first major capital development by Network Member Heritage Lab Ramsgate – a not-for-profit social enterprise committed to revitalising Ramsgate’s historic buildings and community assets. The £600,000 redevelopment was made possible through a combination of grants, loans, and pro-bono support from organisations including Kent County Council, Kent Community Foundation, the Architectural Heritage Fund, Ramsgate Town Council, and DLA Piper. Fifteen people were employed during the refurbishments, and it’s expected that up to 40 jobs will be supported once the site is fully operational.
A Model for Heritage-Led Regeneration
Heritage Lab’s local community have welcomed this landmark project: Polly Billington MP praised the initiative as “an inspiring example of how heritage-led regeneration can drive economic opportunity and community wellbeing.” Cllr Rick Everitt added: “This project shows what’s possible when public, private, and community organisations come together with a shared vision. It’s a great day for Ramsgate.”
Heritage Lab Ramsgate founder and CEO, Rob Kenyon, said: “We’re incredibly proud to see this beautiful building brought back to life in a way that serves our community, supports local jobs, and celebrates Ramsgate’s rich history.”
Next up, Heritage Lab will redevelop eight Art Deco shelters on Ramsgate’s East Cliff lower promenade, having recently agreed to take on a twenty-year lease from Thanet District Council. At the Heritage Network, we’re excited to see this project develop over the next year.
About the Project
Heritage Lab Ramsgate revitalise historic buildings and community assets to create work and community space, support employment and enhance pride in Ramsgate. One of nineteen Heritage Development Trusts in the UK, they unlock grant and philanthropic investment to regenerate buildings and places that would otherwise not be commercially viable.
Heritage Development Trusts are people-powered social enterprises that reimagine, repair, and reuse historic buildings that communities value, reinvesting revenues to build flourishing, prosperous places in every corner of the UK. They are funded through a three-year £5 million strategic partnership between the Architectural Heritage Fund and The National Lottery Heritage Fund, offering targeted support to 19 organisations across the UK. For more information on Heritage Development Trusts, please visit ahfund.org.uk/grants/hdt.
Written by Dr Charlotte Tomlinson, Development and Outreach Officer for England
