Heritage and Regeneration in Coastal Towns MARGATE

[EAS]

English Heritage report - yes, Margate features, and the Scenic Railway gets a mention, and a picture:

http://www.helm.org.uk/upload/pdf/Coast ... eport2.pdf


http://www.helm.org.uk/server/show/nav.18087

The Dreamland site

A fire on the Dreamland site in 2003 has left a large
space at the heart of Margate, with direct access to
the seafront.This presents an excellent opportunity to
provide new uses which support Margate’s other
regeneration projects.The project is being guided by
the Margate Renewal Partnership, set up in 2006 and
funded by SEEDA. It draws together the various
projects going on in Margate in order to integrate
their strategic aims. It is currently producing a parking
and movement plan to improve connectivity within the
town.
As Derek Harding, Programme Director,
Margate Renewal Partnership David Seaton, Paigle
Properties notes “The [Dreamland] site is critical to the
future of the town, its function and economic success. Its
importance can’t be underestimated. It is synonymous with
Margate, and when it closed, it ripped the heart and soul
out of Margate.”
Development of the Dreamland site is being guided by
a planning brief due for publication in August 2007.
The Scenic railway and Dreamland Cinema will be at
the heart of the new development, which will offer a
leisure attraction which celebrates Margate’s heritage,
but appeals to contemporary visitors.

Key Lessons
· The idea of Turner Contemporary was born
locally has been taken up regionally and
nationally.Tate were very receptive to the idea,
and the project fills a regional gap in visual arts
provision to the benefit of the locality
· In recognising and addressing its problems,
Margate has a head start on other coastal towns
seeking to regenerate even the proposals
themselves have raised Margate’s profile
nationally, and broadened the horizons within
Margate
· The historic environment has proved to be a
flexible resource, able to respond to
contemporary needs
· Investment in the historic environment can reap
disproportionate benefits in presenting a
positive new image

More:

http://www.icons.org.uk/news/icons-in-t ... h-heritage

[Jim Douglas Jr.]

It's good to have media and stuff swayed this direction.
There's no reason Dreamland can't be turned into an attractive first class attraction instead of a footnote.

[EAS]

I totally agree - and this government funding announcement may also be further good news:

http://www.24hourmuseum.org.uk/nwh_gfx_en/ART52278.html



Also:

Yet given the will, inspired planning and money, much can be done, and the other book launched at the conference, entitled Margate's Seaside Heritage, focuses on the regeneration of a town with a colourful past, and a bright future.

Its historic assets are being used to good effect in prompting successful regeneration, and the book underlines the synergy between the historic environment and arts and culture, highlighting how Margate has capitalised on its heritage and architecture.


An action plan to restart its historic heart included regeneration of the Old Town and waterfront. The book charts the decline of Margate, and now its revival, demonstrating how a town that was past its sell-by date can end up as an end-of-aisle promotion, with arts-based businesses being drawn there and the new Turner Contemporary building set to be the centre-piece of the historic quarter when it is completed in 2010.

So what can government do to help? “Understand is the main thing,” says Winter. “The work we do is to create an understanding about the significance of the historic environment. With that comes appreciation.”

http://www.24hourmuseum.org.uk/nwh_gfx_en/ART51836.html