Summer kick off for £2 million King’s Hall revamp

Ensuring Herne Bay’s King’s Hall is fit for an exciting future is the key aim behind the city council’s £2 million revamp of the venue.

The council is today (Tuesday 14 April) confirming the timetable for the project, and after much behind the scenes preparatory work, it will begin in earnest with on-site intrusive surveys in the summer after the main hall closes. The last day of events is 31 May 2026.

The foyer and internal toilets will remain open for the rest of the summer, as will the Scoops ice cream unit.

Recognising the popularity of this area of the seafront, temporary toilets will then be provided when the current facilities close and will be in place until the end of the project.

The bulk of the money will be spent on ensuring the building has a long term future, with repairs to mechanical and electrical services, ensuring it is windproof and watertight and that all fire and health and safety regulations are met.

Subject to how much budget is left, the council also wants to enhance the visitor experience, improve accessibility and celebrate the sea view and heritage features of what is a locally-listed building by opening up the side view, through the repositioning of the public toilets.

And improving the venue’s commercial performance by providing greater flexibility to enhance the bar and cafe may also be on the agenda for the project. 

With £2 million confirmed in the budget for the project, the council intends to deliver as many improvements for the future as the money allows. Costs are currently being finalised.

Cabinet member for culture and heritage, Cllr Charlotte Cornell, said: “The King’s Hall is an iconic, much-loved community venue in Herne Bay and we are so pleased to be investing heavily in securing its future for many years to come.

“Whether it’s a community production, a live band, stand up comedy night or one of the many arts and crafts fairs it hosts, we’ve all enjoyed a day or night out at the King’s Hall.

“Through this project, we are making sure all those wonderful experiences can continue into the future, and that this building can carry on taking pride of place along our stunning seafront.”

Following the securing of planning permission and tendering for a contractor for the project, the main construction work is scheduled to start by the end of 2026 with completion due by the end of 2027.

Published: 14 April 2026