‘Forget Dreamland and stop living in the past’
The two-and-a-half page summary delves into an idyllic future where Margate is benefiting from the Turner Contemporary gallery; Manston thrives with increased freight and commercial flights; Ramsgate has embraced its seafaring history and Westwood boasts new homes and shops. Broadstairs is the town with the smallest change remaining traditional, quiet and quaint.
The idea has been on the drawing board since 2003 but gained momentum last April.
Thanet council leader Sandy Ezekiel said: "It’s important for the council to set out how it sees Thanet progressing and developing over the next 20 years.
"By doing this we can then focus our activities and resources into making that vision become a reality. It also sets out clearly what we are aiming to achieve for our residents and that’s why we want all of them to take a look at the document and give their views."
There is no mention of Dreamland in the future vision document.
Cllr Ezekiel said people should stop living in the past.
Speaking out against residents' hopes that a Dreamland-style fun park could return to Margate, the council leader said it "wouldn’t pay" to have the same sort of attraction.
He said: "We’ve got to stop living in the past. We need to change Margate into this cultural community of excellence. Dreamland is not far from places we can’t compete with such as Alton Towers. The worst thing we can do is say we will be another Brighton, there’s so much to offer developers and regeneration is the key. Development and regeneration are the key."
But suggestions that people could go to Bluewater rather than Westwood Cross were shot down.
He said: "If Dreamland was making a profit it would still be open today. There is no doubt it did bring some benefit to Thanet but why would you close down a site that is making money? You just wouldn’t do it. Westwood Cross is for east Kent, even the previous administration supported it. People from as far as Maidstone come to Westwood Cross, between them and us there’s nothing. If you look at Thorpe Park people go only once or twice a year."
Owner Waterbridge is still ploughing ahead with its vision of a heritage amusement park but said in 2008 that work could not start for at least another three years.
Meanwhile, the council’s document is expected to go be given the green light by cabinet members on Thursday before this draft version goes out to public consultation on February 28 so you can say what you think.
The document will be revised, depending on the comments the council receives, before being formally adopted in July.
Extracts from the vision.
Thanet’s economy has been renewed, driven by a busy airport at Manston with more passengers and freight coming into the area. Thriving offshore wind-farms have brought jobs to Ramsgate. New creative businesses attract more residents and visitors into Margate. The district is more prosperous and the average income is close to that of Kent.
New dual carriageways link Thanet with neighbouring towns.
Education levels are now on a par with the rest of Kent.
Residents take advantage of higher-paid jobs.
More people are starting up their own businesses.
Thanet is attracting working-age adults, young families and elderly people.
Thanet is a much safer place for tourists and visitors.
Imaginative facilities exist across the district with the all-weather adventure playground proving popular.
Broadstairs.
No change. Traditional seaside resort with its lovely old buildings preserved and enhanced. Pedestrians are prioritised throughout the town.
Manston.
Manston is the commercial centre of Thanet. KIA has established itself as a major cargo base for the UK receiving 300,000 tons of freight a year. Scheduled passenger services run daily. Residents have taken advantage of the thousands of jobs created over the past 21 years.
Margate.
Margate has a new economic heart founded on the success of the internationally-renowned Turner Contemporary gallery. Extensive redevelopment means the town centre is now much smaller with shops and town houses.
The Old Town is a creative quarter full of cafes, restaurants and shops. Galleries offer the work of local artists. A pedestrian friendly seafront means easy access for the beach. The population is relatively young and affluent. House prices have been driven up and dilapidated boarding houses have been transformed into offices, art studios and flats.
Ramsgate.
Ramsgate is bustling with the town centred on the Royal Harbour. The historic buildings are well-maintained and beautifully lit. The marina has expanded because of the growing popularity of boat ownership. The town is billed as a premier sailing destination.
There is a renewed café culture as well as stylish shops and chi guesthouses. There is a nautical theme with oyster bars and sailing clothes shops. There is a cross channel ferry operator and fast rail links make it a popular destination for Londoners. The maintenance of the offshore wind farms are a key source of employment.
Westwood.
Westwood has grown and flourished. It has an excellent range of homes, schools, leisure, sports, and shops in a pleasant and convenient environment. The new homes next to Westwood Cross benefit from the university campus, Thanet college, Marlowe Academy and the Innovation Centre.
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