Having just discovered the very interesting Margate architecture blog where the latest posting is related to what was demolished to make way for Argos, Somerfield and Iceland in Margate I thought I would post something about what was on the site of the Ramsgate Argos. I have taken the illustrations above from my publication Ramsgate & Broadstairs by Camera and Pen by J Bavington Jones which was first published in 1904.
I was astonished that that the grand Sanger’s Hotel and Sanger’s Amphitheatre (pictured above) was demolished in 1960 to make way for the supermarket (Fine Fare) now Argos.
It is a sad that the supermarkets and chain stores have, over the last 50 years, caused so much damage to the Thanet towns, both by their developments and eventual closures.
I was astonished that that the grand Sanger’s Hotel and Sanger’s Amphitheatre (pictured above) was demolished in 1960 to make way for the supermarket (Fine Fare) now Argos.
It is a sad that the supermarkets and chain stores have, over the last 50 years, caused so much damage to the Thanet towns, both by their developments and eventual closures.
The word that comes to mind here is parasite, feeding of the host town until it's dead and then moving out of town.
Thank you so much for posting this. I hope that this kind of loss is a thing of the past.
ReplyDeleteI remember when this was called the Palace cinema and the Sangers was above
ReplyDeleteGreat post.
ReplyDeleteThanks Jeremy I do my best to fit in a bit of blogging when I get a chance. By the way when I click on your name when you comment it no longer sends me to Corporate Presenter
ReplyDeleteI just found this after researching Sanger and his influence on thanet.
ReplyDeleteThe guy basically gave us dreamland, and was hugely resposnsible for a lot of the tourism circa 1900s with his circus, theatre, hall by the sea..the list is huge.
For the supermarket to have demolished it is an absolute crime. Id love to know who gave it the go ahead so I can smack them one.. :(