Medway residents are sure to remember Dickens World, a theme park sat in the heart of Chatham that centred around the life and work of, you guessed it, Charles Dickens. Though many are sure to remember the attraction itself, the reason behind its closure in 2016 is not quite as widely known.
Found within Chatham Dockside retail park, the themed attraction first opened its doors back on May 25, 2007. Ideas for such a location actually date back as far as the 1970s, and were finally brought to life thanks to the designs of Gerry O'Sullivan-Beare, who also created Santa World in Sweden and Andersen World.
Costing a whopping £62 million, much work went into ensuring that the park offered authentic storylines, characters, environments and settings that were all true to the period. The Dickens Fellowship, an independent organisation built up of Dickens enthusiasts, were largely involved in the creation of the site to help ensure such details.
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So why was Chatham in particular chosen for such an attraction? Well Dickens did in fact live in several different Kent locations across his years, with one spot being Chatham during his childhood, as well as Rochester, Gravesham and Broadstairs later in life.
What was inside Dickens World?
Once the doors of this indoor attraction were officially open, guests could make the most of a number features including a Great Expectations-themed water ride. Visitors were taken through the replicated scenes of Victorian London, ending with a simulated drop from a sewer into the River Thames.
Interestingly, the ride didn’t follow the plot of the titular novel, instead focusing on the criminal aspects of Dickens’ works, featuring a jail full of his iconic criminal characters. This ride would close in 2013.
Other features included a haunted house, 4D movie experience, an animatronic show set in a replica of the Britannia Theatre, ‘Fagins Den’ play area for kids, an interactive schoolhouse based on Dotheboys Schoolhouse and a themed bar/restaurant. The 4D movie experience, which told the life story of Dickens, also closed in 2013.
Also worth noting, the site actually makes an appearance in the world of music. Back in 2008, pop rock group The Hoosiers used this attraction for the music for their song ‘Cops and Robbers’.
Why did Dickens World Closed?
The attraction was certainly recognisable thanks to its iconic front which featured a clock face that would open throughout the day revealing Dickens characters sat in a boat that would move. But unfortunately the attraction itself simply did not attract enough visitors. Original owners, Dickens World Ltd, were forced to go into administration after being unable to cough up the cash for a £6 million tax bill and investors lost £32 million.
Former director, Ed De Lucy, explained at the time that the attraction was haemorrhaging money at an alarming rate throughout the attraction's later years, losing between £500,000 and £1 million each year. It was only the revenue of the adjacent Odeon cinema and Porter’s restaurant which managed to keep the attraction open at this point.
When new owners were later introduced, ticket prices were reduced, the boat ride and 4D cinema were removed and new guided tours from costumed characters were brought in. Then, remarkably, the venue also marketed itself as a weddings and corporate events venue.
But efforts to keep the park alive were sadly in vain and in October 2016, the site closed for good. There were reports that staff were notified of the closure simply through emails and text messages.
What will replace Dickens World?
Since the closure, a number of options have been considered to occupy the former Dickens World site, including an adventure gold club and gymnastics centre. Most recently however, planning has been sought to use the space for a new bowling alley, which is looking likely to go ahead.
This year, a new KFC and Costa have been brought to this section of the Dockside. There has also been confirmation that a new Kaspa’s Desserts will come to the area.
What memories do you have of Dickens World? Did you get married there? We'd love to hear from you and see your pics. Get in touch at kentlivenewsdesk@reachplc.com, or via Facebook or Twitter.
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