Jimmy Godden

Jimmy Godden (December 1945 – 27 March 2012) was a businessman from Kent. He was involved in a range of venues and projects including Dreamland Margate, the Rotunda Amusement Park in Folkestone and Ramsgate Pleasure Park.

Early life Godden was born in Folkestone, Kent. Career In 1990, Godden purchased Folkestone Rotunda amusement park, a prominent seafront attraction, prior to its closure.

In March 1991, Godden pleaded guilty to bribing a councillor on Thanet District Council, receiving a six-month suspended prison sentence and a £25,000 fine.

In 1992, Godden purchased the Feathers Funfair in Dymchurch.

In 1993, Godden demolished the Grade II listed 18th-century Ark Café in Folkestone, citing hurricane damage, despite opposition from local conservationists.

In 1995, Godden acquired Dreamland Margate from the Bembom family. During his tenure, the Ferris wheel and the looping swingboat Mary Rose were removed.

Failed projects Godden was involved in several proposed developments that were not completed. In the mid-1990s, his Chamelion Group proposed a major leisure complex on the derelict Ramsgate Hoverport, including 250 holiday apartments, an indoor ski slope, a swimming pool, and other amenities, with funding expected in part from European Union development grants. The proposal led to the demolition of the existing terminal building, but negotiations with Thanet District Council broke down in 1996.

At the Pleasurama site on Ramsgate seafront, located on the former Ramsgate Harbour railway station, Godden had obtained permission to develop a shopping centre. However, the site was destroyed by fire before the development could proceed and was subsequently compulsorily purchased by Thanet District Council.

Several of Godden's properties were damaged or destroyed by fires, some of which were suspected to be deliberate. These included the listed Scenic Railway at Dreamland, which was damaged in an arson attack on 7 April 2008, the Pleasurama fun park in Ramsgate, and the Mr G arcade on Margate seafront. The latter site remained vacant and became locally known as "Godden's Gap".

Personal life He was married twice and had three sons. Property worth £100,000 was taken and Godden's insurance company offered a £10,000 reward for information leading to the conviction of the gang.

He died from cancer at the Royal Marsden Hospital in March 2012.