Arlington House

A little context…

The Arlington House development, when built in 1964, comprised of an 18-storey residential tower block, a 500-space car park, and a shopping arcade with 50 retail units known as Arlington Square. Commissioned by the council, the project aimed to revitalise and modernise Margate’s seaside resort during its post-war decline. Developer Bernard Sunley, known for his successful beachfront leisure complexes in the Caribbean, brought this ambitious concept to East Kent.

However, the project struggled commercially. Changing holiday habits and Margate’s poor reputation at the time meant that the flats failed to sell, and many retail units remained vacant. Over time, the shopping centre became derelict and was dismantled, with demolition beginning in 2011.

Arlington House has always divided opinion due to its imposing scale, which dwarfs the surrounding seafront terraces. Nevertheless, it remains a constant and iconic feature of Margate’s skyline. Its well-proportioned, elegant sawtooth design is highly functional, ensuring that every flat enjoys views of Margate Sands. Today, with a growing appreciation for modernist architecture, the building enjoys its highest occupancy levels since its completion.

This photo study aims to explore the distinctive, bold design of Arlington House and its adjoining car park, highlighting its geometric forms and raw aesthetic.