Thursday 28 February 2013

A “hole” load of potential.


Ramsgate Tunnels have now reached another phase in their objective to open for the public. A successful completion of feasibility studies to ascertain if there were any insurmountable problems to opening has confirmed that subject to a suitable cleanup there is nothing to prevent the tunnels from becoming a heritage asset for the town

There are two aspects of the tunnels, the older and larger railway tunnel dating back to the 19th Century and the smaller but more extensive Air Raid Protection tunnels which were constructed in 1939 as a precaution against the imminent outbreak of the Second World War.. Having been closed for over forty years these tunnels provide a fascination to many who wish to explore the subterranean environment. Rather than having illegal break-ins to explore the tunnels, it is proposed that the tunnels should become a tourist attraction for Ramsgate and safety conscious guided tours arranged for visitors who can experience the exploration of this forgotten world. An excellent new blog, RAMSGATE TUNNELS gives an insight into the world under our feet and explains where the project goes from here.

There are already over 1000 “Friends of Ramsgate Tunnels” all supporting the project’s future, and an enthusiastic committee are planning ever more exciting outcomes for this project , visit the BLOG and add your support.

Sunday 17 February 2013

Who is SFP ????



Buying a flat?  Want to know who built it?

It is a reasonable request to identify the developer who is responsible for constructing the accommodation in which you intend to invest your life savings.

Considered purchasing a seafront flat?  Maybe in Ramsgate?

Well, SFP Venture Partners Ltd is (supposed to be) building 100+ flats on Ramsgate seafront. It is a fantastic position facing south, overlooking a sandy beach, adjacent to the only Royal Harbour in the UK and views of the English Channel.

Sounds idyllic, but who is the developer?

A 20 page marketing brochure and a 16 page specification brochure say nothing about the developer of the project. This is surprising considering they are supposed to be an international company with developments as wide as Dubai and Ipswich

A front company SFP Ventures (UK) Ltd is supposed to be constructing the building but that company was only formed in 2006 and the agreement and planning permission for Royal Sands goes back to 2002-3 when SFP Venture Partners Ltd (SFP) under the guise of  Société Financière Privée SA (SFP) (A Swiss based stockbroker, now defunct) secured a long lease on the development site

 

The Royal Sands website states the “Developers for the Royal Sands development are SFP Ventures (UK) Ltd a UK based Commercial and Residential Development Company with experience in mixed schemes in both the UK and overseas”  A Company Check shows that company is worth exactly minus £3399, also an internet search finds  no previous developments. 

So if any SFP Venture Partners Ltd directors are reading this and I KNOW you are local,

 RAMSGATE has no confidence in your track record or ability to deliver.

The message is “COME CLEAN IF YOU WANT THE FREEHOLD OR RETIRE GRACEFULLY AND LET A REAL DEVELOPER TAKE OVER.