The block developed from a site that was once part of the Margate Sands railway station and was advertised as a "park and buy" shopping centre.

Sunley was terminally ill at this point (and died three years later) but proposed a shopping arcade with a multi-level car park.

The upper residential part of the block was constructed on-site with shuttering moved into position by a single crane at the top.

[6] It was initially advertised as "Britain's first 'park and buy' shopping centre with luxury flats", incorporating a theatre, restaurant and rooftop swimming pool.

[6] However, the clash between mods and rockers on Margate seafront in spring 1964 reduced the attractiveness of Arlington; by July only one resident was living there.

[6] In 2011, Thanet District Council proposed redeveloping the shopping arcade and car park as a Tesco store.

[4] In 2019, the Metropolitan Property Realizations (MPR), who own the building on a long-term lease from Thanet Council, cancelled the management contract of Trinity Estates after numerous complaints over excessive maintenance fees.

[16] Despite the controversy of a high-rise apartment building close to Margate's seafront, it is now considered a popular place to live because of spacious flats and good views.

Many residents and others objected, saying that it would be a visual disimprovement; others favoured the change, which would allow energy-saving double glazing and reduce rattling.

[19] The poet and vocalist for Hawkwind, Robert Calvert lived at Arlington House;[20] the song "High Rise" on the band's 1979 album PXR5 was reportedly inspired by the building.

[19] An apartment in Arlington House features as the flat of the two members of the band of Icona Pop in their video clip for their hit song Fall in Love.