9 pictures which show a wrecked New Showboat in Cleveleys before it was pulled down in the 80s

By Claire Lark

Published 5th Apr 2023, 10:42 BST

Updated 5th Apr 2023, 10:42 BST

The Showboat was a popular venue, an Art Deco building which was at the heart of Cleveleys entertainment for years.

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.

In case you missed them: 11 scenes of Blackpool Palatine Hotel which stood pride of place for a generation - including its demolition

9 lost buildings in Blackpool which were landmarks of past times - including Yates's, Palatine Building and Pontins

17 scenes of Cleveleys nostalgia captured in the 70s, 80s and 90s - including Victoria Road West shops, Jubilee Gardens and Promenade

We love taking you on a trip down memory lane looking back at people and places through the decades - from long, lost boozers to memorable moments in time and much, much more - sign up to our NEW newsletter here

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

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

Paint peeling from the fascias, holes punched through the doors, this was New Showboat in its final days before demolition in June 1985

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

Such a sorrowful sight, work gets underway to demolish the Art Deco building

3. When they pulled down Showboat

Such a sorrowful sight, work gets underway to demolish the Art Deco building Photo: National World

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'

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

This picture shows how the New Showboat soon became a shadow of the former lively, entertaining venue it was once so well-known for

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

Councillor Frank Townend and David Storrs, of South Shore Crane Hire Demolition look at the dilapidated condition of the Showboat interior

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