Dreamland, Margate

Background

Just before Christmas 1919, and almost exactly one year after the end of the Great War, John Henry Iles Purchased Margate's The Hall By The Sea, thus initiating the history of what would become Dreamland. Iles had a vision for turning the dance and music hall, previously run by the colourful-showman 'Lord' George Sanger, into an American-style amusement park. This vision would come to shape culture, employment, architecture, politics and entertainment in Margate for most of the next century.

The Scenic Railway opened amidst the pleasure gardens and amusements in 1920 and was an immediate hit; the neon signage of the shockingly modern Dreamland Cinema first lit up the night sky in 1935; and Dreamland cemented its position as the premiere amusement park in the South East of England.

Project


After almost 90 years of operation it was announced that Dreamland would close for redevelopment into housing and retail units. Recognising the site's important place in history the Save Dreamland Campaign led the charge to preserve the amusement park, its listed roller coaster, animal cages and cinema to ensure Dreamland continues to play a central role in the tourism economy of Margate.

Now the Dreamland Trust (Which administers the Campaign) is steering the project forward and working in partnership with Thanet District Council and Margate Town Centre Regeneration Company Ltd to create a brand new, unique and quintessentially British visitor attraction for Margate, re-establishing Dreamland as one of the UK's best-loved amusement parks.

Vision


Work is underway to open the world's first amusement park of thrilling historic rides, classic sideshows, vintage cafe's, special events, festivals and gardens. This contemporary attraction represents a multi-million pound investment in the future of Margate, with funding already secured from the Heritage Lottery Fund, Sea Change and Thanet District Council.

The new Dreamland will be living, breathing visitor attraction, with many exciting rides, some the last surviving example of their kind, rescued from around the UK. Dreamland will be reinstated as a place that resounds with the sights, sounds and atmosphere that make for the classic amusement park experience. This  decade will be as significant for Dreamland as the 1920's were, offering the chance for our bold vision to thrill visitors for generations to come.


Source: Dreamland Bilboard