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Dreamland s iconic scenic
railway in 1921
Margate’s Scenic Railway has been recognised as one of the
most important listed buildings in the country.
The iconic centrepiece of Dreamland amusement park has had
its listing upgraded to Grade II*, putting it into the top six per
cent of listed buildings.
The move was made by English Heritage, following an application
from Thanet District Council.
English Heritage describes the scenic railway as being of
“more than special historic importance”, saying its “special
interest is clear and its survival is remarkable”.
The structure is one of only two amusement rides in the country
to be listed, the other being the water chute on the boating lake
at East Park, Hull.
The scenic railway was the first ride to be protected, in
2002.
It is the oldest surviving rollercoaster in the country, the
second oldest in Europe and the fourth oldest in the world.
The Dreamland Trust is building the world’s first amusement park
of historic rides at Dreamland Margate.
Restoration of the scenic railway will be at the heart of the
multi-million pound project funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund,
Sea Change and Thanet District Council.
The trust’s chairman, Nick Laister said: “It is wonderful news
that the Scenic Railway listing has been upgraded from Grade II to
Grade II*.
“The scenic railway was listed Grade II in March 2002, and this
amendment to its status is an entirely appropriate recognition for
this rare and vulnerable structure.”
Part of the wrecked
Scenic Railway the day after a fire in 2008
Cllr Simon Moores from Thanet District Council, said: “We’re
delighted at this news, as the scenic railway thoroughly deserves
its upgraded listing status.
“It’s become something of an icon for both local people and
visitors to Dreamland over the years, who have fond memories of the
time they spent here.
“It’s exceptionally well loved and will be a stunning
centrepiece when Dreamland Margate opens to the public.”
Tell us your memories of Dreamland, and particularly the
scenic railway by joining the debate below.
Tuesday, July 12 2011
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Comments (6)
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Mick wrote:
I agree with what you say Bob.
I would think it would make more sense to build an Aqua Park or something like that. A lot of people would not go onto the Scenic railway for all the tea in China. I would also say that a spectacular fountains along the sea front would be good.13 Jul 2011 3:04 PM
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Michelle wrote:
sorry, that last sentence should say It was a great ride NOT I was a great ride…how wrong did that sound!!!!!
13 Jul 2011 2:48 PM
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Michelle wrote:
I loved the scenic railway at Margate when I was little; it was my very first roller coaster ride. It used to baffle me how the guy working the break didn’t fall off when I was gripping for dear life!! I was a great ride and one we have all probably been on; it should be saved 🙂
13 Jul 2011 2:47 PM
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mark wrote:
This is great news and a big ‘up yours’ to Godden and his cronies.Bob,I can see ur point,but Margate is a seaside town and desperately needs this heritage park.
13 Jul 2011 1:15 PM
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Bob wrote:
I think the Scenic railway should be a thing of the past, it no longer has the appeal that it had years ago, it is rubbish really history gone finished with.
13 Jul 2011 12:21 PM
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Caroline O’Connell wrote:
I remember Dreamland when it was at its best before Bem Boms took over, and watched it decline even further when Jimmy Godden took over and rather than invest and maintain it, attractions were sold off to the highest bidders the place was left to rot. I used to save up what I could to go on the scenic railway and have as many rides as possible. It cost just a tanner a ride then. Also there was an underground ride , similar to Chessingtons bubbleworks. Closed off by Bem Boms probably due to health and safety. Would love to have another go on the scenic.
13 Jul 2011 10:45 AM
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