I chanced upon this blog post and welcomed it's message in a bottle. I've been a Thanet resident since 2008 and witnessed the early waves of the ex-London influx into Margate (actually Ramsgate and Broadstairs too) at a time when there were no coffee shops or artisan outlets. In 2008 it was common for new incomers to know each other, even if only by sight. I can relate to what Luke is saying about Margate's developmental shift, which has only sped up in the last few years. I've been having misgivings and contrary feelings about its gentrification; as I believe it's essentially fueled by speculation and economic self-interest (polite words for greed). I have seen many ventures come and go and a tiny few that struck gold. I have seen property prices sky-rocket along with prices right across the board. My view is that Margate is closely following the woeful path of Hastings and Whitstable's investment and affluence that displaced older and lower-income residents from their towns; communities lamentably split, between the haves and have nots. It does appear to me, that what affuent incomers seek to escape from is the very same thing they bring with them & introduce to the town. Speak to general trades people now eg builders and mainentance workers and you may hear them admit that jobs are not worth their while unless you're prepared to fork out £1000s. In otherwords, they're now gleefully riding the high-speed gravy train. So likewise, £9 for a hot bagel is the price needed to meet an exploitative rent. I'd welcome a pause for open shared reflection on the path Margate old town and Cliftonville is going down. Regrettably, however once gentrification sets in it doesn't stop, it spreads out and engulfs.
The likes of Artists and Philosophers are not very dynamic, the ideas will be limited soon do hopefully people will see sense and embrace the towns rich history more🤞
Another really engaging post! I used to live around the corner from Highbury and will be down there next week! Great part of London!You make some crucial points about redevelopment. Must make it down to Margate one day, especially now there’s Karl’s cones to look forward to.
The writing journey is quite fun, isn't it? It took me three years (apparently that's how long I've had my Substack? doesn't feel like it!), but I think I FINALLY have my primary format down. It's been hard, and a little disheartening, when my subscriber count is under 100. And yet, very happily, there's been an uptick. And I'm grateful for the community here on Substack. The learning and the friendship mean the most!
I couldn’t agree more Amy. I just can’t get over how approachable and interacting everyone is here. If you have 10 followers or 20000 it really doesn’t matter. Thank you for your comments aswell 👌
I chanced upon this blog post and welcomed it's message in a bottle. I've been a Thanet resident since 2008 and witnessed the early waves of the ex-London influx into Margate (actually Ramsgate and Broadstairs too) at a time when there were no coffee shops or artisan outlets. In 2008 it was common for new incomers to know each other, even if only by sight. I can relate to what Luke is saying about Margate's developmental shift, which has only sped up in the last few years. I've been having misgivings and contrary feelings about its gentrification; as I believe it's essentially fueled by speculation and economic self-interest (polite words for greed). I have seen many ventures come and go and a tiny few that struck gold. I have seen property prices sky-rocket along with prices right across the board. My view is that Margate is closely following the woeful path of Hastings and Whitstable's investment and affluence that displaced older and lower-income residents from their towns; communities lamentably split, between the haves and have nots. It does appear to me, that what affuent incomers seek to escape from is the very same thing they bring with them & introduce to the town. Speak to general trades people now eg builders and mainentance workers and you may hear them admit that jobs are not worth their while unless you're prepared to fork out £1000s. In otherwords, they're now gleefully riding the high-speed gravy train. So likewise, £9 for a hot bagel is the price needed to meet an exploitative rent. I'd welcome a pause for open shared reflection on the path Margate old town and Cliftonville is going down. Regrettably, however once gentrification sets in it doesn't stop, it spreads out and engulfs.
Paul -Thank you for the very comprehensive perspective! It's great to get views from local people.
There is so much in Margate that could be done to reconnect the towns heritage with it's 'redevelopment'. It makes me incredibly sad 😢
Great article as per, Luke!
Thankyou Caitlin and also big thanks for sharing via Insta, I teally appreciate it.
The likes of Artists and Philosophers are not very dynamic, the ideas will be limited soon do hopefully people will see sense and embrace the towns rich history more🤞
Another really engaging post! I used to live around the corner from Highbury and will be down there next week! Great part of London!You make some crucial points about redevelopment. Must make it down to Margate one day, especially now there’s Karl’s cones to look forward to.
Karls Cones 🤣🤣🤣 On a serious note, yes I am biased but North London is a cool part of town again.
The writing journey is quite fun, isn't it? It took me three years (apparently that's how long I've had my Substack? doesn't feel like it!), but I think I FINALLY have my primary format down. It's been hard, and a little disheartening, when my subscriber count is under 100. And yet, very happily, there's been an uptick. And I'm grateful for the community here on Substack. The learning and the friendship mean the most!
I couldn’t agree more Amy. I just can’t get over how approachable and interacting everyone is here. If you have 10 followers or 20000 it really doesn’t matter. Thank you for your comments aswell 👌