
Fort Road Hotel
EXPLORE
Contract
Procurement
JCT Construction Management
Design & Build
Value
Services
£4 million
Quantity Surveying
Sector
Client
Hospitality
Fort Road Hotel Ltd
A Landmark Restoration
in Margate
The Fort Road Hotel in Margate is a striking example of heritage-led regeneration, blending historic architecture with contemporary design to create a boutique coastal destination. Originally built in 1820 as a boarding house, the building had been left derelict for years before being acquired in 2018 by Frieze co-founder Matthew Slotover, developer Gabriel Chipperfield, son of World-renowned Architect David Chipperfield, and artist Tom Gidley. The project was brought to life through a close collaboration between Fleet Architects and Kent Construction Consultants, who provided expert project management and cost consultancy throughout the restoration process.
The renovation preserved key architectural features while introducing a sympathetic new fourth floor, offering panoramic sea views across Margate’s iconic shoreline and a double basement. Kent Construction Consultants played a central role in coordinating the complex refurbishment, ensuring delivery on time and to the highest standard. The hotel, which opened in August 2022, now features 14 individually designed rooms, a ground-floor restaurant serving seasonal European-inspired dishes, and a subterranean bar adorned with contemporary murals. With interiors showcasing work from renowned local artists, the Fort Road Hotel not only revitalises a piece of Margate’s heritage but also reinforces the town’s reputation as a thriving cultural hub.
Delivery on a Complex Listed Hotel Redevelopment
Kent Construction Consultants played a pivotal role in the successful transformation of a historic listed building into a boutique hotel, delivering comprehensive Quantity Surveying and Project Management services throughout the redevelopment. Tasked with overseeing a complex renovation involving sensitive heritage considerations, Kent Construction Consultants worked closely with the appointed contractor, County Construction, to ensure the project was delivered to an exceptional standard.
The redevelopment required meticulous cost control, careful coordination of specialist trades, and constant liaison with conservation officers to protect and enhance the building’s historic character. Kent Construction Consultants managed the project from inception to completion, balancing the challenges of restoring original features with the integration of modern hotel amenities. Our collaborative approach with awarded principal contractor, County Construction, enabled the team to navigate structural complexities, programme pressures, and procurement challenges, delivering a refined product that respects the building’s legacy while meeting the demands of contemporary hospitality. This project highlights Kent Construction Consultants proven capability in managing high-profile, design-led developments within the constraints of listed building frameworks, all while maintaining rigorous commercial oversight and project clarity.
Expertise in JCT Design and Build Delivery
Kent Construction Consultants are specialists in the delivery of construction projects under JCT Design and Build Contracts, offering clients a streamlined, efficient route from concept to completion. With extensive experience across sectors, including hospitality, residential, commercial, and heritage, our team brings expert knowledge of the Design and Build procurement process to ensure clarity, control, and confidence throughout every stage of a project.
Our strength lies in balancing design ambition with commercial reality. We provide rigorous cost planning, risk management, and contract administration, while working closely with clients, contractors, and design teams to ensure that responsibilities are clearly defined and performance targets are met. The JCT Design and Build form is particularly suited to fast-paced or technically complex projects, where early contractor involvement and a single point of responsibility can deliver greater certainty on time, cost, and quality.
From high-end hotel refurbishments like the Fort Road Hotel in Margate to large-scale new-build schemes, Kent Construction Consultants consistently deliver under the JCT Design and Build framework, making us a trusted partner for clients seeking efficient, well-managed, and high-quality outcomes.
Similar Projects
accreditations
Guided by integrity, certified by RICS
Our RICS chartered status ensures we uphold the highest standards of professionalism, transparency, and excellence - giving you complete confidence in our expertise.