T
the machine
Guest
Guest
A mini night and day explore of this once splendid 1937 figure of eight roller-coaster. Designed by rollercoaster guru Charles Paige.
Blackpool pleasure beach decided that Southport pleasureland was no longer viable so closure took place in September 2006.
It was of common opinion that it was a 'designer' decline, the company just wanted to wipe the park out and cash in its lease.
Some rides were sold off but the wooden coaster was doomed. Chainsaws moved in under the cover of the 2nd curve (away from prying eyes of potential demonstrators)
It is thought that a large section was clinically removed to render the building un-listable by English Heritage, the government department responsible for listing special structures.
I wanted to capture the building before and after the destruction.
Security was on-site but in low numbers.
The destruction of this park and in particular this coaster was a great loss to the seaside town of Southport.
Residents hoped for a private operating company to run it, and this very nearly happened in the form of Norman Wallis. Unfortunately a design by Blackpool pleasure beach was to immediately destroy the cyclone BEFORE the lease is handed back to Sefton council.
Demonstrations and protests only delayed the process. It was just a month too late.
Blackpool pleasure beach decided that Southport pleasureland was no longer viable so closure took place in September 2006.
It was of common opinion that it was a 'designer' decline, the company just wanted to wipe the park out and cash in its lease.
Some rides were sold off but the wooden coaster was doomed. Chainsaws moved in under the cover of the 2nd curve (away from prying eyes of potential demonstrators)
It is thought that a large section was clinically removed to render the building un-listable by English Heritage, the government department responsible for listing special structures.
I wanted to capture the building before and after the destruction.
Security was on-site but in low numbers.
The destruction of this park and in particular this coaster was a great loss to the seaside town of Southport.
Residents hoped for a private operating company to run it, and this very nearly happened in the form of Norman Wallis. Unfortunately a design by Blackpool pleasure beach was to immediately destroy the cyclone BEFORE the lease is handed back to Sefton council.
Demonstrations and protests only delayed the process. It was just a month too late.
