An ambitious project to overhaul a once-neglected 130-year-old bandstand into an outdoor theatre with food court could rival that of Folkestone’s popular Harbour Arm.

Part-retrospective plans have been submitted to create a permanent cafe, bar and storage containers with food and drink stalls at The Oval Bandstand and amphitheatre in Cliftonville.

The proposals could see a similar offering at its fellow Kent town which hosts several independent businesses and events on the arm and long-term tenants in restaurants and bars housed within shipping containers.

Community group GRASS Cliftonville CIC, which owns the area, has listed the Folkestone venue as an inspiration for their new project in its planning application to Thanet District Council.

They have also listed sites such as Coachworks in Ashford and the Minack open-air theatre in Cornwall.

If plans are approved, two new electric and water-equipped 20ft shipping containers and one new 10ft shipping container will be added, providing five new retail units for local food and beverage businesses.

GRASS, which took over the bandstand from the council in 2021 and says it has hosted more than 100 events since then, also wants to make a “coastal eco-park” by introducing climbing plants on fences and new planters and has already put in ramps at the amphitheatre.

The work would also carry out general refurbishment and maintenance of the site.

Furthermore, an improved pavilion would be constructed inside the former public toilet block including a cafe for the community, offering training and job opportunities, better toilet facilities, and an events bar.

Documents lodged with TDC say: “The Oval Bandstand and Lawns will be an inspirational example of a coastal eco-park, combining nature and wildlife with artworks, visitor information, social and activity spaces, and a beautiful year-round environment for local people and visitors.

“The project is transforming this once-neglected site into a thriving hub at the heart of the Cliftonville community.

“It will be a beautiful and relaxing space in the coastal urban environment, with all the health and well-being benefits that this brings to local people.

“At the bandstand there will be a wealth of entertainment throughout the year.

“Our goal with the project is to revitalise the 130-year-old sunken amphitheatre with improved facilities that will bring the local community and visitors together through more varied events and social activities.”

The scheme has been met with delight from Cliftonville residents.

Benjamin Smith, writing on the council’s planning portal, said: “The proposals will positively impact me and my family.

“They will bring more people to the area, increasing tourism and jobs, making Cliftonville a better place to live.”

Rachel Virtue added: “I believe this will revitalise the area for the better and create a great sense of engagement, with sustainable initiatives at the forefront.

“It will uplift community spirit and attract visitors from afar, contributing to the local economy.”

However, not everyone is so on board with the idea.

Andrew Mace commented: “The stuff they put on last year has been an utter nuisance with noise, litter and crazy parking with aggressive attitude from drivers if challenged about it.

“Part of the area is already fenced off in an unsightly way and why when it’s supposed to be a public area so the prospect of more fencing and ghastly shipping containers is too much.

“This is not London and we as residents don’t want London exported to the coast.

“Then there is the noise of the acts and visitors. We object in the most vociferous terms.”

A decision on the project has not yet been made by the council.

Cliftonville’s Oval Bandstand and amphitheatre dates back to 1897.

A temporary bandstand there before was replaced with an ornate wrought-iron structure complete with a landscaped amphitheatre, which was surrounded by 2,000 deckchairs for music lovers.

In the 1970s it hosted a model village and well-attended wrestling matches.