insideKENT Magazine Issue 32 - November 2014 | Page 14

NEWS

REPAIR WORK ON DREAMLAND'S SCENIC RAILWAY IS UNDERWAY
The biggest milestone yet in the project to reopen
Dreamland Margate was achieved this September
when repair work started on the structure of the
UK’s oldest roller coaster, the Scenic Railway.
Although initial work to refurbish mechanical
components started offsite several months ago,
work to rebuild the famous Grade II listed timber
structure, which was seriously damaged in an
arson attack in 2008, is underway for the first
time onsite.
A Kent-based contractor, Topbond Plc, is
carrying out work on the 94-year-old structure,
using funding sourced by The Dreamland Trust
and Thanet District Council. The work will be
undertaken on a phased basis, with parts of the
ride removed and rebuilt in sections.
Replacement foundations will be inserted
underneath the ride onto which newly fabricated
timber trusses will be erected. Work will progress

in a clockwise direction, starting at the motor
house. The work means that the opening of the
world’s first amusement park of thrilling historic
rides is on target for 2015.
Chairman of The Dreamland Trust, Nick
Laister, explains the importance of this milestone:
“This is an incredible moment in the decadelong battle to secure the future of D ɕ