21 rarely seen photos of Blackpool's much-loved Derby Baths from the 1980s
It’s an icon of Blackpool’s past. Derby Baths – an Olympic full size swimming pool which everyone remembers.
The art deco style pool at North Shore was impressive and held swimming trials and competitions in its earlier days. The water was warmed sea water back then before switching to fresh water from the mains.
In later years, innovative water chutes both indoor and outdoor, were added including the Black Hole – did you ride it?
With it’s - too high for many – diving boards in place and the slides, it was a winner.
By the 1980s, however, the pool’s days were numbered. In a highly controversial move it was decided that Derby Baths should close. People were furious and protested to keep it open. But in March 1990 the bulldozers moved in to demolish it. It has remained an empty space at the side of the Grand Hotel ever since.
In case you missed them: 18 street scenes from around Blackpool in the 90s • Streets, landmarks and shops on the Fylde Coast that set the scene in the 1990s • Blackpool seafront in the 1980s - 16 amazing scenes which remind us how the resort used to look
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With it’s - too high for many – diving boards in place and the slides, it was a winner.
5. Derby Baths
Manchester United players Paddy Roache and Dave McCreery enjoy a dip in a hot tub at Derby Baths
Photo: JPIMedia
6. Derby Baths
Looks like a poolside keep fit exercise class was going on here in 1980
Photo: JPIMedia
7. Derby Baths
Making a splash from the Black Hole waterside at Derby Baths
Photo: JPIMedia
8. Derby Baths
Indoor waterskiing was the latest fad at Derby Baths in 1985. This was a try out before the council debated adding a £2,000 high tech 'Easyski' to the North Shore pool
Photo: JPIMedia