Roller coaster success for Margate campaign

A view of Dreamland.

Supporters of the six-year campaign to save the Dreamland amusement park in Margate are over the moon at the Government's decision to give £3.7m towards the cost of restoring Dreamland to its former glory. This is the largest grant in the 2009 Sea Change programme, funded by the Department for Culture Media and Sport (DCMs), which is designed to invigorate England’s seaside towns through investment in culture and heritage.

It will allow the Grade II-listed Scenic Railway roller coaster, built in 1920 and the oldest roller coaster in the UK, to be restored to its former glory. The roller coaster has not operated since 2006 and was badly damaged by fire following an arson attack last year. This grant should now allow rebuilding work to begin next year.

As well as securing the long-term future of one of the best-loved seaside structures in the country, the funding will allow the creation of the world’s first amusement park exclusively comprised of thrilling historic rides.



The Dreamland Margate project is being led by The Dreamland Trust, a not-for-profit company, which has its origins in the Save Dreamland Campaign. The £3.7m grant will help to create an exciting theme park from the past on the Dreamland site, giving visitors a chance to enjoy spectacular historic amusement park rides. Many of these have been rescued by The Dreamland Trust from amusement parks across the United Kingdom over the past decade and many are the last surviving examples of their type. Restoration work will also be carried out on the Grade II*–listed Dreamland cinema building.

For more information contact The Dreamland Trust, Shell Grotto, Grotto Hill, Margate, Kent CT9 2BU, www.dreamlandmargate.com. See also www.savedreamland.co.uk.

11 December 2009