DREAMLAND ORGAN RESTORATION UNDERWAY

Work is underway to restore one of Dreamland’s gems, which has been described as one of the country’s best instruments.

The Compton Noterman theatre organ in the heart of the Dreamland cinema building is unique and dates from around 1935, when the cinema was built. The organ was built by the Compton organ company, notable English church organ-builders, for the Iles family. John Bird Iles was responsible for the design of the cinema building, in partnership with architectural practice Leathart and Granger.

The organ has four manuals and 16 pipe ranks, while the average theatre organ only has between six and eight pipe ranks. It also has a full set of tuned percussion and sound effects.

David Wattenbach restored the organ following the hurricane, getting it back into full working order, and has been called in to assess its condition by Thanet District Council, whose contractors Coombs (Canterbury) Ltd. are carrying out major repairs to the Grade II* listed building.

David’s visit saw power restored to the organ for the first time since it was cut off in 2004. Testing was carried out to check that the console would rise from the pit up to stage level. Although it still works, it does not rise to its full height, so further work will have to be carried out to this.

Work then moved to the organ chamber at the top of the building, which contains the pipework. The chambers were very damp and there was mildew all over the chest and pipework. In the main chamber, it was found that water had penetrated some of the chests, making them unplayable in the solo chamber. Although in poor condition, it was still possible to play the pipes.

David, who was brought up with organs in his home, has worked with them for many years. “By the time the electrics were switched off to this place, this organ was working at its peak and I’d say it was one of the 10 best instruments in the country. It made a wondrous sound and you could play any type of music on it.”

However, since then, its condition has deteriorated. “I’m very disappointed that it’s in such a bad state. This place has really deteriorated in the last year at an incredible rate. The organ has got very, very damp and the priority now is to stop anymore water going in and to keep it reasonably dry. Sadly someone has also stood on the side of the organ, breaking two of the art deco glass panes. It’s such a shame, especially as there isn’t another one like it in the country.”

David’s examination has concluded that the organ will need significant repairs to get it back into a good condition. Organ builders have now been contacted to undertake a further assessment.

What work is being done to the Dreamland Cinema building?

The work to the Dreamland Cinema building is being carried out by Coombs on behalf of Thanet District Council. The work started in May 2011, after a series of Urgent Works Notices were served on the owners of the building earlier this year. To date, the contractors have been re-pointing the building and carrying out structural repairs to the steel frame and concrete, and to the doors and windows.

Some of the roof structure has also had to be replaced, due to its poor condition. The work is expected to be completed by spring 2012 and is being paid for by money that the council received in 2009 from the Sea Change Fund through the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.

The history of the Dreamland Cinema building

The Dreamland Cinema building was opened in 1935 and contained a 2,200 seat cinema, ballroom, restaurants and lounges.

It was first listed as Grade II in 1992 and was upgraded to Grade II* status in 2008, which are classed as particularly important buildings of more than special interest. Just 5.5% of listed buildings are Grade II*. It was an early example of the influence of German cinema design and proved to be influential on the subsequent design of the Odeon chain of cinemas.

What are the plans for the site?

The 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 side shows, cafés, restaurants, special events, festivals and gardens. It will also celebrate the British seaside and popular culture, with a focus on youth cultural heritage. It is a major part of Margate’s regeneration programme, creating volunteer, learning, training and employment opportunities.

The first stage of the project is now fully funded, with £3.7 million from the Sea Change fund, £3 million from the council and £3 million from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF). The HLF money will be released once the Compulsory Purchase Order on the site has been confirmed. A public inquiry into the council's plans to compulsorily purchase the Dreamland site will be held at the council offices starting on Tuesday 10 January 2012.

Stage one of the project will involve:

• the restoration of the Grade II* listed Scenic Railway to full working condition, including construction of a new Scenic Railway station to replace the original one destroyed by an arson attack in 2008,
• the restoration of the historic rides collection,
• the restoration of the Grade II listed menagerie cages,
• repairs to the Grade II* listed Dreamland Cinema building,
• the reopening of the main park entrance, landscaping works, and
• dedicated learning centre, exhibition area and learning space.