2012 target set for Dreamland amusement park reopening

The heritage amusement park will be built round the Scenic Railway

Campaigners trying to revive Margate's Dreamland amusement park in Kent have said they aim to reopen by summer 2012.

They have set themselves the target as they continue to fundraise and hold talks with the site's owners.

Bob Preedy has been appointed rides co-ordinator, to research the history of the rides already acquired and source other rides from around the world.

"The idea is to rescue all these old rides... and really rejuvenate this bleak area," he said.

The rides, some of which have been in storage in defunct amusement parks or packed away for safe-keeping by previous owners, will have to be brought to Kent by road.

'Rides of yesteryear'

Mr Preedy said the first job would then be to get every single piece of metal x-rayed, to look for hairline cracks, before renovation can take place.

"Historic rides are still being discovered across the country and we will be investigating the feasibility of adding these to our bulging stock.

"Who knows what will turn up in the next two years - so that the rides of yesteryear can again be given pride of place at one of the country's best loved amusement parks," he said.

Among the rides set for Dreamland is the Grade II listed rollercoaster which was badly damaged in an arson attack in 2008.

The Scenic Railway ride, built in 1920, will be rebuilt with the help of a £3.7m government grant.

It is the oldest surviving rollercoaster in the UK and the fourth oldest in the world.