Cash bid for Margate's Dreamland

GROUPS working at Margate’s Dreamland have submitted a second bid for cash to rejuvenate the fun park.

The Dreamland Client Group, made up of the Dreamland Trust, Margate Renewal Partnership, Thanet council and Margate Town Centre Regeneration Company submitted an application for grant funding of £4 million to Sea Change, a government cultural grant scheme.

The money will be used to transform Dreamland into a heritage amusement park which includes classic funfair rides and a renovated scenic railway. The cinema would also be given a makeover and used as a live music venue.

The decision on the Sea Change grant is expected in July while the decision on whether Lottery funding is successful will be announced in September.

Chair of The Dreamland Trust, Nick Laister, said: “We are absolutely delighted at the extent to which residents, businesses and key stakeholders in the area have backed this project, which we believe will create a genuinely compelling new visitor attraction at Dreamland Margate.

"I think this shared vision comes across in the bid and puts us in a very strong position in what I know is going to be a very competitive process. The Dreamland Trust strongly believes that this is the best way to secure the future of the listed Scenic Railway and Dreamland Cinema and for the distinguished history of the park to be recognised and a successful outcome to this bid will enable this shared vision to be implemented."