A "compelling case" to compulsorily purchase the Dreamland site and turn it into "a new and viable heritage Amusement Park" has been set out by Thanet District Council.
The documents, called a Statement of Case, have to be submitted by the council as part of the process, which it's hoped will eventually enable the council and the Dreamland Trust to regenerate the site and create a unique visitor attraction for Margate. It would be the world's first amusement park of thrilling historic rides and attractions with classic sideshows, cafes, restaurants and gardens. It would explore youth culture, Dreamland's story and its role in Margate becoming a popular destination. The project has already been awarded £3.7 million from the Sea Change programme and £493,000 from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) with a decision expected in November 2011 on a Round 2 Bid to the HLF of £3 million.
The statement describes the Dreamland site, at present, as "a 'hole' in the centre of Margate, which has potential to deliver enormous economic, social and environmental benefits to the District." It sets out the reason for the compulsory purchase, before going on to look at the site in detail, including its history, and then considers the council's proposals, how these would be delivered and funded and how they fit into the planning framework.
The document also includes details of the negotiations to date with the landowners and the council's response to the objections that have been received. It describes how the council "became increasingly concerned that the owners of the site, while continuing to apparently negotiate were actually taking no positive steps to maintain or secure investment in the site or to positively promote a new future for the site."
Leader of the Council, Cllr. Bob Bayford, said: "I'm sure the publication of this will be widely welcomed by the public, as we know how much support there is from both local people and visitors to bringing Dreamland back into use as an amusement park. With the opening of Turner Contemporary, Margate has already received a huge boost this year, and Dreamland represents another huge opportunity for the town. This document shows very clearly that the first stage of the Dreamland project is deliverable, viable and has the funding behind it to make it happen. It's a great shame that we have ended up in this position, as we had hoped to move forward without the need for a compulsory purchase order. Sadly, that's so far not proved possible and the statement of case highlights all the efforts the council has made to acquire the site by agreement."
Chairman of the Dreamland Trust, Nick Laister, said: "The Statement of Case makes it clear why this project needs to move forward as quickly as possible. I know all the directors of the Dreamland Trust are disappointed that we were not able to bring this forward in partnership with the owners of the site, but our funding is time limited, the condition of the Scenic Railway is continuing to deteriorate and the town is suffering the effects of its biggest attraction being closed. We need to ensure that this opportunity is not lost."
A public inquiry into the council's plans to compulsorily purchase the Dreamland site will be held at the council offices starting on 10 January 2012. A report from the Planning Inspector, following the inquiry, is expected in late February or early March 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 May/June 2012.
The Compulsory Purchase Order covers the whole Dreamland site, to the foot of the embankment of the railway line at the southern boundary, Arlington Square to the west and the rear of properties along Belgrave and Eaton Roads to the east. The site also includes the grade 2* listed Dreamland cinema building along Marine Terrace.
The first stage of work on the site would see the restoration of the Scenic Railway, menagerie cages and a number of classic amusement park rides and urgent works to the cinema building.
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