Dreamland
MARGATE
Save Dreamland Update February 2013
PROJECT UP-DATE
As we enter 2013 we move into another important phase for the Dreamland Margate
project. Throughout last year, we assisted Thanet District Council with its compulsory
purchase of the Dreamland site, a process that both parties embarked on with great
reluctance, but one that was essential if there was to be any chance of Dreamland
reopening as an amusement park. Margate has endured a vacant, derelict site in the
heart of its seafront for far too long.
Just before the end of last year we received news from our partners, Thanet
District Council, that the hearing date for the appeal to the Compulsory Purchase
Order has been set for 20 th and 21 st March 2013. We understand there will be a 28-day
vesting process thereafter if we are successful and we can anticipate access to the site
in May.
In 2013 , we hope to finally be able to get on site and start work on Stage One of
~e Dreamland Margate development, to include: the refurbishment of the park
entrance through the Dreamland Cinema building; landscaping; the installation of a
number of exciting rides; the restoration of the Scenic Railway and much more.
We have a fantastic team who are making this project happen, led by our Project
Director, Mike Nuttall, and our Audience Development Officer, Jan Leandro. Our
consultant design team is now led by Wayne Hemingway and the talented group of
people at HemingwayDesign, and we are being advised on the restoration of our rides
by Michael Smith of the Dingles Fairground Heritage Centre.
With the park due to open in 2014, this year is undoubtedly going to be our
busiest yet, and you should see more visible work on site over the summer as the
project gathers pace. We hope to be able to open a visitor centre on site too; an
inspiring place where visitors can learn about the project, see exhibitions and buy
souvenirs, and we also hope this will be a great resource for schools and the local
community. There will also be a programme of events through the summer to whet
your appetite for the opening of Dreamland next year.
Keep reading Mechanical Memories Magazine, as I will give you regular updates
on the project, including dates for events on the park.
P age4