Built in 1921, it was supposed to have been an open air baths but was instead turned into a leisure pool with motorboats, canoes, deckchairs and refreshments. It was a success until the 1970s but these photos show, sadly, how desperate it had become in the 1980s when it had been left abandoned. By 1983 it was a dumping ground for old cars, twisted metal, the remaining boats and even industrial machinery. A year later it was part of a multi-million pound redevelopment of the area and the pool was eventually cleared up for the summer season of the 1986. It didn’t last though and became obsolete until the area was filled in for a go-karting run.
In case you missed them: 14 nostalgic pictures you'll only understand if you're from Blackpool
1. North Shore Boating Pool
This was in April 1983 and the boating pool had been described by local hoteliers as 'intolerable'. No wonder. Photo: library
3. North Shore Boating Pool
Such a mess - plant machinery had somehow ended up in there, old tyres and vehicles... Photo: library
4. North Shore Boating Pool
By 1983, the boating pool was derelict with abandoned cars, twisted metal and debris. It was a sad sight Photo: library
5. North Shore Boating Pool
The caption on this picture from May 1985 reads: 'The picture everyone has been waiting for... the spotless scenes at North Shore Boating Pool. The site dubbed a disgrace by angry hoteliers only a few months ago, has been transformed by Blackpool Council in time for the Bank holiday. The dramatic facelift has been welcome by Mr Ray Lawrence, secretary of the Blackpool Hotel and Guesthouse Association' Photo: library
6. North Shore Boating Pool
A shadow of it's former glory. Advertising hot and cold snacks and ice-cream provides a glimpse into it's past Photo: library