Margate's historic railway among top listed buildings in country
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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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