Start date confirmed for final phase of bandstand repairs

The final phase of work to bring Herne Bay bandstand back into full use, involving extensive repairs to the building’s substructure, will get underway at the end of this month (June).

Once complete a few months later, the entire stage area within the bandstand will become available for events, live music and community activities once more.

The confirmation of work starting follows the completion of the city council’s tender process to find a contractor for the project. VPro Infrastructure Solutions Ltd has been selected.

The contractor will move onto the site to set up during week commencing 29 June, with the work scheduled to last 16 weeks.

It involves reinforcing and repairing the concrete substructure, focusing on areas of corrosion and blown concrete that have been identified through intrusive inspections.

This type of work requires the driest possible weather conditions, which has dictated the timing of the project.

It will be carried out on the rear, beach side of the site, meaning public access to the bandstand via the entrances on Central Parade and the promenade is not affected. Hoardings will be in place to prevent access to the work area.

Other than the usual disruption associated with this type of work – noise, dust and the general comings and goings of workers and machinery – the public should not notice too much inconvenience.

Cabinet member for property, Cllr Chris Cornell, said: “It’s been great seeing live music return to the bandstand weekly this spring and this work represents the last piece of the puzzle to ensure it’s back for the long term. It’s a really significant moment and we can’t wait to get started.

“Clearly work of this nature is going to be noisy at times but every effort will be made to complete it as quickly as possible. Good weather will certainly aid our cause.

“We’re asking the public to bear with us because we know the end result – making sure the iconic bandstand is a star attraction once again – will definitely be worth it.”

This substructure work is the final element of repairs across the site, which so far has included:

• Installing a new, self supporting glazed roofing system onto the existing frame, including a heritage design glazing bar
• Timber repairs to damaged timber and redecoration of all external timber
• Strip back and full redecoration of the main central bandstand sign
• Repairs and redecoration of the entire external facade, iron gutters and downpipes
• Internal work to the former Maharaja restaurant unit, including the stripping out of fixtures and fittings, repairs to and a deep clean of the toilets, and redecoration, to allow it to be let again

With the above work totalling £650,000 and the substructure repairs costing a further £670,000, the council has invested an overall amount of £1.32 million in the bandstand’s restoration.

Last July, Makcari’s, which already had the lease on the neighbouring unit, was selected to run the refurbished unit following a competitive tender process.

The company was selected as the winning bidder due to its strong community focus and commitment to improving the bandstand as an asset for local people and visitors to the town.

The council is now in the process of concluding the formal leasing arrangements with Makcari’s for that unit.

Published: 15 June 2026