If you ever waited for a bus on Talbot Road, you’ll remember it: cold, draughty, and heavy with the smell of diesel.
This set of 25 old pictures revisits Blackpool’s much-talked-about bus station, a building that started life in 1939 and was seen as innovative for its day thanks to its multi-purpose use as a car park.
Yet even in the earliest images, the place looks dark and dismal — and it drew criticism almost from the off.
One caption, written on the back of a photograph, pulled no punches: “The worst possible advert for a seaside resort – that’s the unanimous verdict on Blackpool’s seedy Talbot Road bus station.”
Still, for all its flaws, many locals relied on it. It was the launchpad for shopping trips, the late bus home after a night out, and the daily commute to work.
7. Talbot Bus Station - how it used to be
The entrance to the car park, pictured in 1988 Photo: National World
8. Talbot Road Bus Station - how it used to be
Wide open entrances and exits made for a cold, drafty bus station. This was in 1982 Photo: National World
9. Talbot Road Bus Station - how it used to be
As it was in March 1988 Photo: National World
10. Talbot Road Bus Station - how it used to be
David Medlar and Jackie Carpenter in front of the innovative and high-tech 'Passenger Information Services System' that was due to be installed at the bus station in 1986 Photo: National World
11. Talbot Road Bus Station - how it used to be
Phone boxes inside the bus station caused complaints in June 1982 Photo: National World
12. Talbot Road Bus Station - how it used to be
The caption on the back of this says 'The imposing dimensions of the new Bus Station are strikingly shown in this picture, in which the new St John's Market is also featured, 1938 Photo: National World