The newly restored Margate Caves and its new Visitors Centre officially open to the public today, Thursday 22 August 2019.
The Margate Caves Community Education Trust, a local community group, have finally achieved their goal of opening the caves back up to the public after several years of fundraising and campaigning.
The new Visitors Centre, located directly above the tunnels, provides direct access into the restored Caves via a new staircase and offers a cafe and shop for visitors. The interpretation room, located adjacent to the cave entrance, will offer an insight into the history of the Caves along with tales of their past and information on the campaign that has brought them back into use. Finally, community rooms have been provided along with a kitchen which can be used for a multitude of functions and events and hired by local people, groups and societies.
The Caves have been stabilised by geotechnical engineers and a local conservator was appointed to undertake restoration work. The result is a set of Caves that now conform to modern health and safety and feature revived murals, preserving them for years to come.
The Caves will offer an educational opportunity to local schools and an activity programme has been developed thanks the funding the Trust has received.
We have acted as Quantity Surveyor on this scheme and have worked with Kaner Olette, Hawden and BREEAM to deliver this fantastic project.
