About.

Ramsgate Space CIC is dedicated to transforming our town’s high street by unlocking empty shops and putting them back into meaningful use. Our mission is to create opportunities for local businesses, entrepreneurs, and community organisations to test ideas in a low-risk, supportive environment—turning vacant spaces into thriving hubs of activity and innovation.

Ramsgate’s Empty Shops Problem.

Ramsgate, like many towns across the UK, is facing challenges with vacant retail units. However the vacancy rate in Ramsgate is around 24%, significantly higher than the national average of 14%.

High vacancies lead to a decline in trade for surrounding businesses, an increase in anti-social behaviour and vadalism, and a loss in pride of place for the community. Prolonged vacancies reduce the town’s appeal, lower footfall, and increase security risks.

Through a comprehensive audit, we discovered that 60% of Ramsgate’s empty shops are not actively marketed, with many owned by large property portfolio holders, pension funds, and absentee landlords. This stagnation limits growth and community engagement, but we believe in a different future—one where these spaces are accessible, dynamic, and beneficial to all.

Our long-term vision is to safeguard Ramsgate’s commercial spaces for future generations, ensuring they remain in community hands. By revitalising empty properties and rethinking how our high street functions, we aim to create a more vibrant, resilient, and inclusive town for businesses and residents alike.

Ramsgate Space HQ.

In Spring 2025 we will be launching Ramsgate Space HQ, intended to provide information about spaces, and invite ideas for use.