New Kent jobs with £3.7m Dreamland rejuvenation

Dreamland amusement park in Margate has secured a grant of £3.7m from the Government’s Sea Change Fund.

The Sea Change fund is a Government organisation which aims to help revive seaside towns.

Kent jobs might soon benefit from the renovations to turn the area into the world’s first vintage amusement park.

According to Kent News, the funding will be used to revamp the Grade II-listed Dreamland cinema building and restore classic rides, some of which is the last surviving example of its kind.

The Scenic Railway, the UK’s oldest wooden roller-coaster will be the centrepiece of all the rides.

The amusement park was opened in 1920 but closed in 2003. In 2005 Margate Town Centre Regeneration Company bought the park and has worked together with the Prince’s Regeneration Trust and Thanet District council to secure the grant.

Ros Kerslake, chief executive of the Prince's Regeneration Trust, said: “We are thrilled to be part of the team responsible for regenerating Dreamland and contributing to the rejuvenation of the world famous seaside town of Margate.

“Sea Change funding will be a massive boost for the scheme and will help us in our aim to develop an exciting area of fun and historical importance that can be enjoyed by the community.”

Kerslake added that the funding will also boost the local economy through tourism and creating jobs.