Frequently in our local papers the Turner Centre raises it ugly head, it was interesting to read yet again more public opinion on the Turner Centre.
The Thanet Extra date 16 November 2007 had six different letters attacking the project as it stands.
1. A Mr Tony Taylor liked the idea of a Mr Jackson who suggested in the KM on the 11th that the Dreamland site would be an ideal building for the Turner Centre. Mr Taylor would like to see the money saved used for a park and ride scheme.
2. Mrs NA Wells says Dreamland cinema would be a fantastic site for the Turner Centre.
3. Mrs V.A Scott very much agreed with the above.
4. Lynne Littlejohn fears another white elephant that once built will be there an AWFUL long time.
5. A Stuchbury of Birchington describes the latest vision as a blot on the sea front and expressed concern over the council underwriting cost. I think we all need to be worried when underwriting the cost is mentioned.
6. Finally Mrs J Winterburn wishes for a public vote and said she would be more in favour if the dreamland site was used.
In attempt to be objective here are some of the arguments I have heard for and against.
FOR. The funding is from outside sources including the Arts Council.
QUESTION. If outside money is going to pay for it why is our council promising to underwrite cost? Does the maths not add up?
FOR The interior ideas are very exciting.
QUESTION this may be true but I haven’t seen an exterior that meets with public approval except the one submitted from the local trainee architect.
FOR The project will provide jobs during construction.
QUESTION. How many of this jobs will go to local builders and construction engineers?
FOR It will bring in tourist.
QUESTION. How many people does the council think it would bring in and will it pay for the running of it?
AGAINST So far the exterior design has been a disaster.
FACT yes it is an opinion but it is the opinion of the vast majority of Thanet!
AGAINST Will this cost Thanet taxpayer’s money and can we have guarantees?
AGAINST The current location is very much open to the elements as we all saw recently, is not Dreamland a safer option for the building.
AGAINST The public actually want other facilities for Thanet such as Ice Rink; Water Parks; Play Parks and beautiful landscaping. They want fun facilities. We the public have seen Margate slowly deteriorate and want to see improvements. Is it not possible to secure lottery funding for Margate’s regeneration and where is all the European money being spent?
In summary
1. I believe that people will be happy if the construction was more in keeping with the old town design, just because the interior is contemporary it does not mean the exterior has to be.
2. The people do not wish for any money of the council tax to be spent on it.
3. People are dubious about its location and its close proximity to the sea.
4. People want to save some of our past the Dreamland Cinema building is one of those. Restore lets see those beautiful marble floors hidden by carpets.
Is it time to re think or is it all just too late.

By Trevor Cooper