Dreamland could get a 4D simulator like the one at the Kennedy Space Centre

by Jess Banham

Plans for the former Dreamland site in Margate now include a 4D simulator... like the one at the Kennedy Space Centre in America.

Margate Town Centre Regeneration Company has re-launched itself as
DreamlandLive following the death of one of its directors, Jimmy Godden, in March.

Their new proposals involve buying a state-of-the-art 4D experience,
similar to the space simulator at Cape Canaveral in the USA, at a cost of around £4m.

Toby Hunter, DreamlandLive chief executive, said: “They are massively different to some of the simulator attractions in this country. They are very exciting, contemporary and big shows.”

A 4D simulator stimulates all the senses, including touch and smell. Viewers will watch a film featuring Dreamland through the ages.

Dreamland in Margate

Mr Hunter said he believed it would make the park more relevant to younger audiences.

He said: “Dreamland has always been something different to every generation. If you were a child of the 1940s or 50s, Dreamland would have
been that experience and we're hoping to produce a Dreamland for the
next ten, 15 or 20 years.”

The simulator will sit in Dreamland Contemporary – a heritage park
also set to include a re-built scenic railway, restored cinema and
other theme park rides.

The company plans to use housing to fund the new development, which
would include business units and studio space for artists.

However, since plans were first drawn up the number of homes included has been reduced by around 50% from 800 to 474.

But they are currently fighting a Compulsory Purchase Order from
Thanet District Council, which wants to only put a heritage amusement park on the site. A decision is expected soon.

Mr Hunter added: “I hope the Secretary of State will see that all of our plans are very exciting and very viable and that he doesn’t need to grant an order for the council to take the site from us.

"I think he’ll see that our plans are brilliant and sufficient in their own right and should be given the chance to go ahead.”

Thanet council declined to comment on the new plans.