Demolition Begins on Ramsgate’s Derelict Jackey Bakers Pavilion

Ramsgate’s Jackey Bakers Pavilion, once a popular spot for community sports, is now set for a significant change. This week, Thanet District Council starts tearing down the abandoned building – something many residents have wanted for a long time.

In January 2025, the council hired a specialised contractor to handle the demolition and set up temporary changing facilities. According to D3 Tenders, they allocated £370,000 for this project.

Heavy machinery is moving in, and diggers are taking apart the Jackey Bakers Pavilion. This change is not just the end of a building; it signals a hopeful future for the area. Many locals see the pavilion as a reminder of decline, with its crumbling walls, graffiti, and boarded-up windows. However, there is a feeling of optimism that the site can once again become a welcoming place for sports and community activities.

Remembering the Legacy of Jackey Bakers Pavilion

The playing fields named after Jackey Baker were gifted to Ramsgate back in 1924 by the town’s first female mayor, Susan “Jackey” Baker. She wanted to create outdoor sports and recreation opportunities for the town’s youth. The area hosted community events, local football games, and school sports days for several years, bringing energy and life to the site.

For several years, this site was very busy. It hosted local football matches, family fun days, and school sports events. Many Ramsgate residents have memories tied to the fields and the simple, helpful pavilion, which was the centre of the complex. The pavilion offered changing rooms, restrooms, and a place for players, coaches, and spectators to gather.

However, over time, the pavilion, which served as changing rooms and the heart of the area, fell into disrepair. Weather damage, lack of maintenance, and vandalism made the building unsafe. Residents watched with frustration as the once lively area became a community eyesore.

Why Demolition Was Inevitable

The push to tear down the building has grown in recent years, mainly after dangerous asbestos was found inside. The site was seen as too unsafe to keep standing because of ongoing vandalism and the building’s poor condition.

In 2023, over 1,900 residents signed a request for quick action, expressing concerns about safety and access. This campaign resonated with families and sports groups that had relied on the venue in better times.

The structure had become unsafe due to years of neglect, vandalism and asbestos concerns. In cases like this, licensed Asbestos removal services are crucial to ensure materials are handled safely and responsibly.

The turning point occurred when we found dangerous levels of asbestos in the building. Due to ongoing vandalism and increasing damage, the site was declared too unsafe to stand.

Thanet District Council listened to the community and agreed to demolish the building. They also shared a clear plan to improve the area step by step.

The campaign grew on social media and in local community forums. It brought together residents, councillors, and sports supporters to work towards one goal: to restore the space to its essential role in Ramsgate life.

How the Demolition is Being Handled

Demolition began in late March 2025 under the supervision of Thanet District Council. Contractors on-site prioritise safety, especially because the building contains asbestos. They follow strict procedures to remove all hazardous materials before fully demolishing the building.

If the weather is excellent, the demolition will take a few weeks. The work will include clearing debris and preparing the site for the next phase of temporary facilities while reducing the impact on nearby residents and sports fields.

Safety comes first. Because the building contains hazardous materials, contractors are closely following safety rules for removing asbestos before they begin full demolition.

They have set up temporary fencing and signs around the site. Council officers are working with the community to provide regular updates.

Temporary Facilities to Support Community Use

We will install temporary mobile cabins on-site to provide referees with changing rooms and vital amenities. These cabins will remain until we finalise plans for a new pavilion.

We expect these temporary facilities to launch in spring, allowing the sports fields to stay open during summer. This solution meets immediate needs and also sets the stage for future development.

A Community-Driven Future

Thanet District Council has confirmed its commitment to building a new Jackey Bakers Pavilion version. Consultations will start later this year, giving residents, sports groups, and schools a chance to share their ideas and needs for the new facility.

The council has stated that community input will help shape how the new facility is designed and run. Some recommendations include better-changing rooms, accessible restrooms, and flexible areas for events and meetings.

Conclusion

For residents of Ramsgate, the demolition of Jackey Bakers Pavilion means more than just getting rid of an old building. It signals the end of years of frustration and the start of much-anticipated renewal. The community now has a genuine opportunity to restore a once-loved space.

With strong public support and a commitment from the council, this redevelopment can do more than replace a rundown structure. It can bring back pride, connect people through sports and recreation, and turn Jackey Bakers into a lively centre at the heart of Ramsgate’s future.