Dreamland

Dreamland is one of the key sites in Margate's regeneration.

Following the successful opening of Turner Contemporary, which is attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors to the town, it is now more important than ever to bring Dreamland fully back into use.

Thanet District Council is working in partnership with the Dreamland Trust to create a world first for the site, an amusement park of thrilling historic rides, with classic sideshows, vintage cafes, restaurants, special events and gardens.  Once one of the UK's premier amusement parks, Dreamland is fondly remembered by many and the Dreamland Trust's plans for the new Dreamland aim to build on this.

The project has already received £3 million worth of funding from the council and £3 million from the Heritage Lottery Fund. The council submitted the application to the government's Sea Change Fund, which awarded the project a total of £3.8 million. This funding depends on the council getting a long lease on the site. Sadly, that has not been possible and as a result, the council has now served a Compulsory Purchase Order on the site.

What happens next?

All the landowners affected by the Compulsory Purchase Order have been contacted and objections to the Order have been received in writing.

As a result, a Public Inquiry has been held and a report from the Planning Inspector is expected in late May 2012. This will then be submitted to the Secretary of State, who will make a decision on the case. This may not be known until August 2012.

If the Compulsory Purchase Order is confirmed, then the council would be given the freehold of the site, meaning that the plans for Dreamland can proceed.

• Compulsory Purchase Order
• Compulsory Purchase Order Statement of Reasons
• Map of the site subject to the Compulsory Purchase Order
• Public Notice regarding Compulsory Purchase Order
• Press release about the Compulsory Purchase Order
• The council's Statement of Case in support of the Compulsory Purchase Order (pdf, 1.45mb)
• Public Inquiry 

Work on the Dreamland Cinema building

Urgently needed work is also being carried out on behalf of the council to help preserve the Dreamland Cinema building.

Part of the iconic Dreamland sign was illuminated over the Christmas period.

The history of the Dreamland site

Dreamland has a rich and varied history, dating back to the 1920s.  As a result of this, it is now home to three listed buildings:

• the Dreamland Cinema building – Grade II* 
• the Scenic Railway at Dreamland – Grade II* 
• remains of the menagerie enclosures and cages at Dreamland – Grade II

Tel: 01843 577139