Attractions industry news
15 Oct 2015
UK's oldest rollercoaster reopens after grand restoration
The Scenic Railway – the premier attraction of heritage theme park Dreamland – has finally reopened to the public 12 years after the UK’s oldest rollercoaster shut down.
Originally opened in 1920, the Grade II listed Scenic Railway fell into disrepair when Dreamland closed its doors in the mid-2000s and was badly damaged from an arson attack in 2008.
Dreamland reopened its doors in June with most rides operational. The mile-long Scenic Railway, which has previously been described as 'the heart' of the heritage attraction, remained closed however, with restoration ongoing.
Originally designed by Sir John Henry Iles who bought the site in 1919, the restored ride is nearly identical to when it first opened, bar modifications made for both operational and safety reasons.
Creative designer Wayne Hemingway MBE is behind the £18m (US$27m, €24m) restoration of the theme park. The Heritage Lottery Fund also played a large role in Dreamland’s redevelopment, part-funding the venture by awarding £5.8m (US$8.9m, €7.8m) to the Dreamland Trust.
Since its reopening, Dreamland has proved popular with the seaside town of Margate enjoying a mini resurgence, noted by a 50 per cent increase in bed occupancy and a 25 per cent increase in visitor tickets to the nearby Turner Contemporary. According to Dreamland, the majority of visitors are based in London, with more than third of those coming through its doors hailing from the capital.
As part of its ongoing restoration, Dreamland’s 1950s-style ballroom will open next week and work is now underway on the 1,600-capacity Hall by the Sea, as well as an outdoor event space.
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