One of Kent's hard-hit town centres is to get a make-over worth more than half a million pounds following a successful bid for government cash.

The scheme in Ramsgate will involve the transformation of historic buildings on Harbour Street as well as repurposing empty properties on the lower high street for creative and community use.

Work starts immediately on the three-year project, with public engagement and the finalisation of the scheme’s development plans.

The programme, which has secured £601,900, forms part of the Ramsgate High Streets Heritage Action Zone (HAZ).

The HAZ is part of a £95 million government-funded programme delivered by Historic England to unlock the potential of 68 high streets across the country.

In Ramsgate, the scheme runs southwards along the lower High Street from its junction with George Street to the historic Harbour Street, which then leads to the town’s iconic waterfront and Royal Harbour.

The funding is aimed at restoring and reviving Harbour Street, with a series of capital grants issued to property owners to cover works such as new shop fronts and fascias and the installation of new timber windows.

There will also be improvements to the public realm, specifically the current ‘coned’ pedestrianisation of Harbour Street between 9am and 5pm.

A Friends of Harbour Street group will be set up consisting of traders, residents and property owners, supported by the High Street HAZ project officer and steering committee.

This group will be responsible for bringing positive publicity to Ramsgate town centre, hosting events and strengthening the community’s sense of identity and purpose.

A range of options for the sites on the lower high street will be devised, working with the current owners and agents, to bring them back into use.

A 'cultural consortium' will also be created, with opportunities to bid into the Cultural Programme, which is part of the wider £95million government fund.

The money will support cultural activities that engage communities in Ramsgate, celebrating the local character and heritage.

Leader of Thanet District Council Cllr Rick Everitt says as Ramsgate begins its recovery from Covid-19 the authority is delighted that funding has been secured to help the town centre thrive again.

"The high street has always been more than a place to shop and it’s more important than ever to create places at the heart of town where people want to come and spend time," he said.

"The High Street HAZ will not only regenerate buildings that have fallen into disrepair but also create opportunities for residents and businesses to help reimagine the town centre."

Sisters and owners of Celandine Hall, Bella Landen and Sophie Hubble, have already secured a capital grant via the High Street HAZ.

"We are grateful to have received support from Historic England and Thanet council," they said.

"We are restoring 29-31 Harbour Street in line with its historic architecture and converting the internal building from disused retail space into a vibrant space that will invigorate the high street and benefit the Ramsgate community.

"Celandine Hall has a rich history and we are delighted to be partnering with both organisations on this project."

Liz Pollard, heritage at risk projects officer for Historic England, says every high street has a distinctive history that can be harnessed to help it thrive again.

"We’re excited to help deliver a High Streets Heritage Action Zone in Ramsgate that will restore shop fronts and repair buildings – starting with the Grade II listed Celandine Hall - to regenerate the conservation area to benefit local people and businesses," she added.

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