Mary Queen of the High Street โ Season 1, Episode 2: Margate
Documentary, Reality โข 60 min โข 1 season, 3 episodes โข โ 8.0/10
Episode synopsis
Mary Portas tries to inject new life into Margate's high street, with the help of artist Tracy Emin, an inland pier and a cut-price deal for the London to Margate daytripper Margate's high street has suffered terribly in recent years, with one in four shops closing down. However, it's not all doom and gloom. The ยฃ17 million Turner Gallery has been a roaring success, attracting up to 10,000 visitors a week. Mary believes there might be an opportunity to capitalise on this existing footfall, if only visitors could be encouraged up the high street. Despite some local resistance, she comes up with the idea of an inland pier, bringing the traditional attractions of a pleasure pier into the heart of the high street. Mary also focuses her attention on local shop owner Billy, whose sweet shop has lost some of its shine over the years. She calls upon Margate's most famous artist, Tracy Emin, to assist in coming up with a new branding for the shop.
About Mary Queen of the High Street
Mary Queen of the High Street follows Mary Portas as she fights for the country's failing high streets. With around 100 shops closing a week, she takes on the challenge of coming up with a 28-point plan, the Portas Review, to help breathe new life back into the high street.