Planning permission has been granted for a new visitor centre at a historic estate signalling a significant expansion of its attractions.
Officers at Thanet District Council (TDC) have this week signed off on the scheme for Quex Adventure Park in Birchington, near Margate.
Quex Park, based off Park Lane, dates back centuries.
It features the Grade II-Listed Quex House, a stately manor once home to the Powell-Cotton family and the museum which takes their name.
The park is also home to Quex Adventure Farm Park, which includes indoor and outdoor play areas, animal encounters, paintball and even an adventure golf course.
Under the plans, a former office building, an outdoor café kitchen, a storeroom and a reception area will be demolished to make way for a new visitor hub, as they appear to be at the end of their usable life.
Included in the new two-storey centre will be a ticket area, retail space and a café on the ground floor, with office space above.
Architects Urban Surveying and Design, said the new purpose-built structure would “enhance the visitor experience and support the park’s growing attractions”.
Now, planning officers at TDC have granted approval for the scheme.
Their report stated: “This development would facilitate the existing use of the site and improve the appearance of this part of the Quex estate without resulting in any significant harm to the character of the area.
“The existing buildings have a temporary appearance that does not positively contribute to the character and appearance of the area, with the proposed building suitable for the rural environment.
“This proposal relates to an existing rural business and is for rural tourism and leisure development.”
Upon arrival, visitors will enter through the ticket office, which is controlled by an entry gate next to a gift shop selling Quex Park souvenirs.
As well as toilets, the new centre will house a 50-seater café with the front of the building opening to an outdoor terrace for dining in favourable weather conditions.
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After the approval, a spokesperson for Urban Surveying said: “The proposal balances the preservation of the site’s traditional agricultural heritage with the need for modern functionality.
“This purpose-built facility will enhance the visitor experience and support the park’s growing attractions, all while blending sensitively with the historic Quex Estate and its rural setting.
“This is a major milestone for the project and we believe it will be a real asset to Thanet.”
