Wingham Waterworks

The Wingham Waterworks, built between 1903 and 1905 for Margate Corporation, is a complex of red brick and slate-roofed buildings with rendered and stone dressings, constructed in a Free Baroque and Art Nouveau style. The main block is a large single-storey machine hall distinguished by a plinth, stringcourses, a cornice, and a parapet topped with a central ball finial. A central projection features a segmental pediment and vase finial. This section has two large mullioned and transomed windows with elliptical heads, and centrally located double half-glazed doors within a keyed and moulded semi-circular surround, topped by a lunette. A scrolled pediment above the doors bears the inscription “Margate Water Works”. To the left of the main block is a single-storey section with two segmentally headed and keyed wooden casements. A secondary block to the right includes large cart doors with a keyed and scrolled lunette above, flanked by T-shaped windows with segmental flying cornices. A similar wing is situated at the right end, mirroring the left wing. The waterworks exhibit fine-quality brickwork and stonework with intricate detailing. The fenestration incorporates Art Nouveau stained or painted glass, largely abstract designs, though with landscapes within the main block. The original machinery has been removed and the building now houses electrical pumps.