Wayne Hemingway to revive historic theme park in Kent

Wayne Hemingway to revive historic theme park in Kent Rex

Wayne Hemingway has been appointed the designer to revive Kent's historic theme park, Dreamland.

According to the BBC, Mr Hemingway, his wife Gerardine and the HemingwayDesign team will create the overall scheme and branding for the disused site in Margate.

Stage one of the project to turn the site into a £10m heritage park is hoped to open in 2014.

Hemingway said he was 'excited about bringing a new vibrant life to an iconic British seaside institution'.

'Having visited Margate over the past few months and seen the grassroots creative revolution that is taking place, we are thrilled, nay cock a hoop, at the potential of the place and can't wait to get stuck in.'

He added: 'We fully understand the scale of the task but with the creative community of Margate and environs we can deliver something of international significance.'

The park will be run by the Dreamland Trust, which will be given the site by Thanet District Council for a peppercorn rent.

Chairman Nick Laister said Hemingway Design would bring the trust's proposals for the site to life and exceed expectations.

He said: 'Wayne and Gerardine and their team have a genuine passion for the British seaside and for the Dreamland Margate project.'

'I am delighted to welcome them on to our team.'

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The Swarm, Thorpe Park
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Sky Ride, Tree Top Adventure
 Swings aren't scary, right? Wrong. How do you fancy one that reaches speeds of up to 50mph and 3G force? <a href="http://www.ttadventure.co.uk">Sky Ride</a> - the fastest swing in Europe - recently opened at Tree Top Adventure in North Wales. It's Europe’s first five-seater giant swing, elevated 80ft above the Conway Valley. Adrenaline seekers are suspended above the tree tops before being released to soar back and forth, with their feet dangling as the rush hits. Sky Ride is the highest swing-based ride of its kind in the UK.
Tower of Terror, Disney's Hollywood Studios
 According to legend, stars of the silver screen stayed at the Hollywood Tower Hotel during the golden age of Hollywood. But the story goes that in 1939, five guests were riding in the Hotel's maintenance service elevator when lightning struck the building - and they were never seen again. You can still see scorch marks on the exterior of the building. Only brave souls ride the <a href="http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/parks/hollywood-studios/attractions/twilight-zone-tower-of-terror/">Twilight Zone Tower of Terror</a> at Disney's Hollywood Studios Theme Park.
Balder, Liseberg Amusement Park, Sweden
 Balder, at <a href="http://www.liseberg.com">Liseberg Amusement Park</a> in Sweden's Gothenburg, is one of the largest wooden roller coasters in the world and reaches speeds of up to 90km an hour.
Formula Rossa, Ferrari World, Abu Dhabi
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Megafobia, Oakwood Theme Park, Pembrokeshire
 When it opened in 1996, <a href="http://www.oakwoodthemepark.co.uk">Megafobia</a> was Europe's largest wooden roller coaster. But you'll have to take a trip on this fast turning, heart tumbling, wild wooden roller coaster to find out why it's been voted the best ride in the UK, and the third best ride in the world.
Powerfan Plummet, Tree Top Adventure
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Tower of Power, Siam Park, Tenerife
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The Phoenix, Knoebels, Pennsylvania
 The Phoenix is a famous wooden roller coaster located at the <a href="http://www.knoebels.com">Knoebels Amusement Resort</a> in Elysburg, Pennsylvania. When it opened in 1947, the Phoenix was the largest roller coaster in the world, with 3200 feet of track and a 78ft hill. Gulp.
Floorless SkeiKra, Busch Gardens, Florida
 At <a href="http://www.seaworldparks.co.uk/busch-gardens/index.htm">Busch Gardens</a> in Tampa Bay, Florida, North America's first dive coaster takes you 200ft up then hurtles you 90 degrees straight down at speeds of up to 70mph. There's nothing above you but air, and nothing below you but the ground.