Refurbishment Updates
1st June 2026
Herne Bay’s iconic seafront venue, the King’s Hall, has now closed its doors for events ahead of work starting on its £2 million revamp.
Recognising the popularity of this area of the seafront, the internal toilets at the venue will remain open until September, as will the Scoops ice cream unit.
When we get to the autumn, we will be providing temporary toilets in an alternative location close by.
Our plans for the building centre around ensuring its long term future, including repairs to mechanical and electrical services, and making sure it is windproof and watertight and that all fire and health and safety regulations are met.
And subject to how much budget is left, we also want 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.
With £2 million confirmed in the budget for the project, we intend to deliver as many improvements for the future as the money allows.
So as we come to the end of one era, a new one beckons.
There is much work to do in the coming 18 months, but we look forward to bringing you your new, improved King’s Hall in 2028. Watch this space!
14th April 2026
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 budget, 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 is also 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.
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.