Mechanical Memories Magazine

Dreamland
MARGATE
Save Dreamland Update October 2009
Our proposals for the world's first amusement park of thrilling historic rides, originally
launched by the Save Dreamland Campaign in April 2007, has moved several steps
closer over the past few months after some intensive activity from the three
organisations bringing the project forward: The Dreamland Trust, Margate Renewal
Partnership (part of Thanet District Council) and Margate Town Centre Regeneration
Company (MTCRC- the owners of the site).
In March Margate was visited by the Government's Urban Panel (made up of the
Commission for the Built Environment and English Heritage), and Dreamland was on
their list of places to visit. I did my best to excite them with our vision whilst standing
on the top floor of the Arlington Tower (the ugly grey tower block next door to
Dreamland) looking down over the remains of the once great amusement park. I knew
that this was an influential group.
I am pleased to say that, not only are they supporting the Dreamland project, they
have singled it out as the single most important project in the town. The report
concludes: "The Panel urged that the vision of Dreamland re-opening as the first and
nationally unique heritage fairground be promoted with urgency and drive and without
unnecessary burdens ... Accordingly, Trust, Partnership and Authority were urged to turn
all necessary attention to the re-emergence of Dreamland".
We formally launched our proposals on 15 March at a special party in Margate
called 'I Dream of Dreamland'. The plans had been produced by Levitt Bernstein
Architects, working with Jean-Marc Toussaint and Locum Consulting.
Our vision is that Dreamland will be a striking 21st Century attraction. It will build
on Margate's unique cultural heritage as the first seaside resort, as the location of one of
the earliest seaside amusement parks, and now the home of the oldest surviving
rollercoaster in the United Kingdom. With its unique pedigree, Dreamland in Margate
will be the national centre for the preservation and celebration of the heritage and culture
of seaside amusement parks and popular seaside entertainment.
Next issue, I will tell you all about our grant applications. We should know whether
or not we have been successful by then!
Nick Laister
Chair of Trustees, The Dreamland Trust
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www.dreamlandmargate.com