The search for contractors is under way as the second phase of the Dreamland project is ready to begin.

Thanet District Council is calling for building companies to lead on a £1.8 million renovation of the former Sunshine Café and part restoration of the Dreamland cinema foyer.

The money is being provided by the Coastal Communities Fund.

Cabinet member for regeneration and enterprise services Cllr Hunter Stummer-Schmertzing said: “We’re delighted to be offering up this opportunity to breathe new life into such an iconic building in Margate.

"The redevelopment of Dreamland has always been about progressing the wider site, taking each part step by step.

"Embarking on phase two is a significant step forward and is particularly poignant as we head towards the first birthday of the Dreamland pleasure park.

"I’m hoping to see many local firms feature in our responses to this tender and look forward to seeing work start in earnest this summer."

The former Sunshine Café renovation will include repairs to original building fabric, replacing windows, restoration to the fascia along with a new lift and neon lighting.

This work is part of preparation to develop the building into a seafront restaurant.

Restoration of the cinema foyer to its original 1930s design will also take place.

This will include new brass hand railings, metal entrance doors, Venetian plaster work to the ceiling, restoration of the pay desk, bespoke lighting and signage and restoration to the decorative atrium ceiling.

The council hope it will pave the way for further development of the entire Art Deco cinema complex.

The deadline for interested parties to apply closes at 2pm on Friday, June 10.