Margate's Dreamland dreams come true
The £3.7 million grant, the largest of its kind for a seaside town from the government’s Sea Change programme for revitalising coastal towns, will pay for historic rides and the restoration of the Scenic Railway. Organisers hope the rides, saved from other parks around the country, could be ready to thrill the public again by 2011.
The money will also be used to the renovate of the seafront’s Dreamland Cinema, and will turn the area into a celebration of British popular and youth culture.
Nick Laister, chairman of The Dreamland Trust which is putting together the project, said: “This is fantastic news and is yet another very positive step to delivering this world-first visitor attraction.”
Experts in architecture CABE and English Heritage have already backed the project.
Mr Laister added: “We are very pleased that CABE and English Heritage share our view, and that of the people of Margate, that this proposal has the ability to create an outstanding 21st century attraction at Margate, capitalising on the resort’s unique heritage in a way that will make a huge contribution to the regeneration of the town.”
The grant money will be added to the more than £500,000 already raised from the Heritage Lottery Fund and Thanet council, which put together this bid.
The full set of plans for the park is available online at www.thisismargate.co.uk.
Don’t miss Friday’s Isle of Thanet Gazette for the full story and reaction. On sale Friday.
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