The life of the iconic Layton Flats in Queenstown had come to a natural end and were demolished in 2016. The spectacle was watched by thousands of people and our photographers were among them to capture the scene as the high rise buildings crashed to the ground. The flats came straight down within about 20 seconds but it left people with mixed feelings, for some it was like saying goodbye to old friends and for others it was eerie.
Away from the dust clouds which bellowed from the rubble, hundreds of other people gathered on the top of Sainsbury’s car park on Talbot Road to witness a chapter in Blackpool’s history.
These photos tell the story of the day and a video is included above which captures the historic event as it happened.
In case you missed them: 12 nostalgic scenes of Blackpool Central including the long gone railway station, Central Car Park and Bonny Street Market - which are soon to be erased forever
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. Layton Flats demolition
With Blackpool Tower standing proudly in the distance it was time to say goodbye to the flats - an era which had come to a natural end Photo: Yannick Dixon
1. Layton Flats demolition
With Blackpool Tower standing proudly in the distance it was time to say goodbye to the flats - an era which had come to a natural end Photo: Yannick Dixon
2. Layton Flats
Thousands of people gathered to watch the demolition Photo: Martin Bostock
6. Layton Flats demolition
This photo was taken from the top of a building for a distanced view of the tumbling towers Photo: Iain Lynn