Ambitious plans for a 365-day a year entertainment centre and 124-bed hotel at the site of an iconic seafront cinema have been unveiled.

The scheme by Margate Estates Ltd (MEL), which owns Dreamland, will involve the renovation and development of the town's seafront and cinema building.

MEL says it is seeking major investment to help "realise a creative, arts and culture led vision to improve and develop their estate".

The plan is to create a year-round, all weather, multi-purpose entertainment centre with event and conference facilities, a 124-bed seafront hotel, several restaurant and bar venues, retail spaces and a multi-storey car park. All would be subject to planning permission.

CEO Eddie Kemsley says MEL is delighted to be starting the next phase in its vision for Margate.

"(It is) the result of many years of hard work and planning," she said.

"By seeking this investment, the possibility of a world-class entertainment centre, which will attract many more visitors to the town, is in sight.

"MEL is passionate about the development of Margate having invested heavily already.

"By developing the Dreamland cinema building and creating an all-weather visitor attraction we intend to dramatically improve Margate seafront, and offer locals and visitors a broader range of entertainment, all year round.

"We can’t wait to get started."

The team at MEL says the renovation of the seafront and cinema will be the catalyst to generate further significant footfall into the town and attract more investment.

"Dreamland successfully attracted 850,0000 visitors to the amusement park and outdoor and indoor event venues in 2019," the company said.

"However, the current appeal of the site is seasonal, and largely attracts domestic tourists and the leisure market.

"MEL is seeking investment to significantly grow visitation beyond the peak season and broaden its appeal to the international and business tourist markets.

"A 365-visitor offer is essential to the continued success of Margate as it will provide the ability to offer year-round employment, rather than just seasonal, with Dreamland being a large employer of young people.

"Furthermore, some of the spaces within the estate will be available for community groups and local charities to utilise."

The new investment is sought in addition to the £50million invested by MEL and the recent investment of £7million to purchase the freehold of Dreamland.

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