With a price tag of £5m, Houndshill was one of Britain’s most streamlined and modern shopping centres. It was built by John Laings and at the time comprised 40 shops, a restaurant and a coffee bar.
Work was on schedule when these photos were taken. The ground floor was progressing and well over half the service level was completed. Construction of the car park, which was a major development of the scheme, was also underway. Of course there have been many changes since to upgrade the shopping centre, but this is how it was when it all began.
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1. How Houndshill changed the landscape
Scaffolding goes up and workmen make progress with the shopping centre’s construction near Marks and Spencer Photo: National World
2. How Houndshill changed the landscape
The Tower buildings provided inspiration for the extensive use of brick in the new Houndshill Shopping Centre Photo: National World
3. How Houndshill reshaped the town centre
This is looking up Adelaide Street in October 1978 Photo: Submit
4. How Houndshill reshaped the town centre
Hounds Hill Centre Blackpool, shortly before it's official opening on August 29, 1980. Also in the pic is Alan Boyson's stainless steel frieze and ceiling lights Photo: staff
5. How Houndshill reshaped the town centre
The mural which used to be at the entrance to the Houndshill but was eventually transferred to Blackpool Pleasure Beach Photo: staff
6. How Houndshill reshaped the town centre
This is 1980 and shows the stairs leading to the upper level cafe Photo: staff