When it closed it became a dilapidated eyesore on Cleveleys seafront, targeted by vandals. Eventually it was decided the best solution was to demolish the building. It was owned by Ricky Taxe, who was based in America and at the time wanted to develop the site, on the corner of Kingsway and Princes Way. A public meeting to discuss possible ideas was arranged. As we now know the area was eventually redeveloped for housing. Do you have memories of the Showboat? We would love to hear them.
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1. When they pulled down Showboat
The story pinned to the back of this photo from May 1985 explains how police were being called in to stamp out vandalism at the disused venue and council chiefs were warning trespassers of the dangers Photo: National World
2. When they pulled down Showboat
Paint peeling from the fascias, holes punched through the doors, this was New Showboat in its final days before demolition in June 1985 Photo: National World
3. When they pulled down Showboat
Such a sorrowful sight, work gets underway to demolish the Art Deco building Photo: National World
4. When they pulled down Showboat
The caption on the back of this photo from 1985 reads 'Demolition work on the derelict Showboat night spot on Cleveleys Promenade is expected to be finished in three weeks. Workmen have almost complete gutting the inside of the building and hope to start on the main structure next week' Photo: National World
5. When they pulled down Showboat
This picture shows how the New Showboat soon became a shadow of the former lively, entertaining venue it was once so well-known for Photo: National World
6. When they pulled down Showboat
Councillor Frank Townend and David Storrs, of South Shore Crane Hire Demolition look at the dilapidated condition of the Showboat interior Photo: National World