Council seeks local views to improve South Quay Shed

Residents, businesses and visitors are being asked to have their say on how to improve South Quay Shed in Whitstable Harbour.

An online survey has been launched this week by Canterbury Council to find out why people visit the popular destination and what they think of the current food and retail offer, atmosphere, events and pricing.

It will also ask about improvements to the space and how it can become more attractive to residents and visitors alike.

The results of the short questionnaire will help inform future plans for the Shed which opened in 2022 as a community event, retail and leisure space with affordable rental units supporting local, creative start-up businesses and food outlets.

Since opening, it has become home to a wide selection of local businesses and hit national headlines when the Shed’s HatsHats Coffee launched a pop-up shop run by pupils with profound and multiple learning disabilities from St Nicholas School in Canterbury.

Cllr Chris Cornell, Chair of the Whitstable Harbour Board and Cabinet Member for Economic Development and Inclusion and Coastal Towns Champion, said: “We are committed to making sure the harbour remains a vibrant and thriving home for our communities – and South Quay Shed has a vital role in supporting these ambitions.

“After three successful seasons, we want to know what people think about it. Do they visit it often? If not, why not? And how can we make it better?”

The survey follows a consultation by Whitstable Harbour Board and the council about their strategic plans for the harbour over the next decade.

Feedback from this consultation, which ended in January this year, showed huge support for a commercial working harbour and development plans focused on a reduced carbon footprint and increased accessibility.

Complete the survey online by Friday 29 November 2024.

Published: 29 October 2024