16/03/2009 00:37:00

Plans have been unveiled for the building of what's being called the world's first heritage amusement park.

The park in Kent will be built at the former Dreamland park on the Margate seafront, and will feature the Grade II listed Scenic Railway - known as the oldest rollercoaster in the UK. In addition, the park will boast vintage rides that have been salvaged from older parks in Blackpool and Southport.

Last year about 40 per cent of the Scenic Railway was destroyed in an arson attack, but experts believe the structure can be repaired for use.

A representative from the Dreamland Trust, who is organising the construction of the park, told Kent Online: "Margate's main selling point is the iconic Scenic Railway, so where better place to build the world's first heritage amusement park than next to the UK's most famous piece of amusement park heritage?"

The park would also showcase dozens of other rides that have been saved from destruction from amusement parks around the country.

Plans for the £12m heritage amusement park were unveiled to the public for the first time on the weekend. The public can view the plans at a free exhibition at the West Coast Bar in Margate.

A representative from the regeneration company told the BBC: "We have had meetings with the Heritage Lottery Fund and they have been really positive.

"We have spent months and months putting [the plans] together."