Pleasureland Southport
Encyclopedia
New Pleasureland, previously named Pleasureland, is an amusement park located in Southport
, Merseyside
, England
. The original park operated from 1912 to 2006 and was closed by the parent Blackpool Pleasure Beach company due to what they stated was a lack of returns after investment. The park was reopened in 2007.
The first Pleasureland had been operating since 1912, but was closed suddenly on 5 September 2006, as the previous owner said it was unsustainable. It was Blackpool Pleasure Beach's sister amusement park. Due to lack of return on investments, it was not seen as viable to be kept operating. This end result was speculated to have been due at least in part to an introduced entrance fee which proved unpopular and resulted in a serious downturn in the number of visitors.
The park included several historical rides such as the Cyclone wooden rollercoaster, which was demolished just two weeks after the park closed. One of the park's unique features was its Funhouse
with traditional funhouse attractions such as the Wheel and the Social Mixer. The Funhouse continued to operate for several months until its closure on March 31, 2007. Soon after, the funhouse was gutted and parts taken to Blackpool, as it is rumored a possible heritage fairground museum is planned for the future at Blackpool.
Not much is known about the fate of many of the classic rides at Pleasureland, although some have been bought and put into storage for a prospective Dreamland
revival project in Margate. On 14 September 2006, pictures were released onto the Internet of people dismantling the Cyclone, much to the dismay of local residents, Pleasureland fans, and coaster enthusiasts.
On 18 September 2006, two protesters climbed to the top of the Cyclone in an attempt to save it. The protest lasted for three hours, after which the protesters came down over police concerns regarding the distraction they posed causing to passing motorists. There has also been a petition put forward by a group of coaster enthusiasts to try and save the ride, but this effort also failed. The Cyclone was unceremoniously demolished 20 November 2006.
The Traumatizer http://www.rcdb.com/id805.htm station building has been demolished.
In February 2008, the site of the Cyclone Rollercoaster http://www.rcdb.com/ir.htm?cls=277&type=2&opened=1937&coastername=cyclone&parkname=pleasureland&status=10&design=6&location=26828 was landscaped, and part of the old River Caves ride demolished to make room for more rides.
"Norman Returns The Pleasure" The Park re-opened for the 2008 season on the 15th March and rides added for the summer months. Work has also continued on the grounds to make them look more presentable. A Big Top Circus was added during the summer weeks but was removed by its owners after only 2 weeks in the park due to the low number of people visiting New Pleasureland at the start of the summer holiday period. In Summer 2008, a new static ride was opened in the form of a swinging pirate ship. In early 2008, a new roller coaster opened. "Indy's Lost World - The Ride" is a themed indoor roller coaster, based on the latest Indiana Jones' film; Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull The roller coaster is situated inside the old Fun House building. In September 2008, it was announced that New Pleasureland will return for the 2009/10 season. In October 2008, the park's Pinfari
Roller Coaster, Storm was removed from the park and sold.
In May 2009, the original Pleasureland Wildcat coaster was bought by Norman Wallis and rebuilt in its original location.
The Wildcat opened on 12 August 2009.
The Pleasureland main entrance building, which was built not long before the original park closed in 2006, was also demolished in February 2010. The Casablanca Entertainment complex was repainted white in June 2010 and is awaiting refurbishment.
Indy's Lost World Indoor Roller Coaster was closed early 2010. It is to be replaced with a new Indoor Ghost Train. The ride is set to open in July 2010.
Battlefield Live Southport has opened on the site of the old Southport Zoo
, which is immediately adjacent to PleasureLand. Battlefield Live is an outdoor combat game using guns that fire infra-red beams. The site is accessed via Pleasureland and it opened in August 2010.
Southport
Southport is a seaside town in the Metropolitan Borough of Sefton in Merseyside, England. During the 2001 census Southport was recorded as having a population of 90,336, making it the eleventh most populous settlement in North West England...
, Merseyside
Merseyside
Merseyside is a metropolitan county in North West England, with a population of 1,365,900. It encompasses the metropolitan area centred on both banks of the lower reaches of the Mersey Estuary, and comprises five metropolitan boroughs: Knowsley, St Helens, Sefton, Wirral, and the city of Liverpool...
, England
England
England is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. It shares land borders with Scotland to the north and Wales to the west; the Irish Sea is to the north west, the Celtic Sea to the south west, with the North Sea to the east and the English Channel to the south separating it from continental...
. The original park operated from 1912 to 2006 and was closed by the parent Blackpool Pleasure Beach company due to what they stated was a lack of returns after investment. The park was reopened in 2007.
Pleasureland (1912-2006)
Funhouse
A funhouse or fun house is an amusement facility found on amusement park and funfair midways in which patrons encounter and actively interact with various devices designed to surprise, challenge, and amuse the visitor. Unlike thrill rides, funhouses are participatory attractions, where visitors...
with traditional funhouse attractions such as the Wheel and the Social Mixer. The Funhouse continued to operate for several months until its closure on March 31, 2007. Soon after, the funhouse was gutted and parts taken to Blackpool, as it is rumored a possible heritage fairground museum is planned for the future at Blackpool.
Not much is known about the fate of many of the classic rides at Pleasureland, although some have been bought and put into storage for a prospective Dreamland
Dreamland
-Amusement parks:* Dreamland at Coney Island in Brooklyn, New York* Dreamland * Dreamland Margate, in Kent, UK* Nara Dreamland, near Nara, Japan* Yokohama Dreamland, in Yokohama, Japan...
revival project in Margate. On 14 September 2006, pictures were released onto the Internet of people dismantling the Cyclone, much to the dismay of local residents, Pleasureland fans, and coaster enthusiasts.
On 18 September 2006, two protesters climbed to the top of the Cyclone in an attempt to save it. The protest lasted for three hours, after which the protesters came down over police concerns regarding the distraction they posed causing to passing motorists. There has also been a petition put forward by a group of coaster enthusiasts to try and save the ride, but this effort also failed. The Cyclone was unceremoniously demolished 20 November 2006.
New Pleasureland (2007-present)
On 31 May 2007, it was announced that Dreamstorm International were to invest £100 million at the Pleasureland site. . Pleasureland was re-opened to the public on 21 July 2007 and renamed New Pleasureland. In June 2007, some of the original Pleasureland buildings were demolished, except for buildings around the perimeter. The site re-opened under new management as scheduled, with a temporary travelling fairground. Then, following a successful summer season, the park was kept open (weekends only) until November 2007, when some demolition of remaining unwanted buildings was carried out and refurbishment of other buildings completed. A Pinfari "Zyklon Loop" rollercoaster was constructed on the site where the Traumatizer once stood and was opened at the start of the 2008 season, named 'Storm'. This coaster has now been sold and moved elsewhere.2008
The Park reopened in 2008 on the 21st of March. However, on 20 March, Sefton Council announced that a company called Urban Splash had been chosen to develop Southport seafront including the Pleasureland site. Here is a report from BBC News. It was announced in October 2008 that New Pleasureland would return for the 2009/10 seasons. An official opening schedule has been announced for 2009,The Traumatizer http://www.rcdb.com/id805.htm station building has been demolished.
In February 2008, the site of the Cyclone Rollercoaster http://www.rcdb.com/ir.htm?cls=277&type=2&opened=1937&coastername=cyclone&parkname=pleasureland&status=10&design=6&location=26828 was landscaped, and part of the old River Caves ride demolished to make room for more rides.
"Norman Returns The Pleasure" The Park re-opened for the 2008 season on the 15th March and rides added for the summer months. Work has also continued on the grounds to make them look more presentable. A Big Top Circus was added during the summer weeks but was removed by its owners after only 2 weeks in the park due to the low number of people visiting New Pleasureland at the start of the summer holiday period. In Summer 2008, a new static ride was opened in the form of a swinging pirate ship. In early 2008, a new roller coaster opened. "Indy's Lost World - The Ride" is a themed indoor roller coaster, based on the latest Indiana Jones' film; Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull The roller coaster is situated inside the old Fun House building. In September 2008, it was announced that New Pleasureland will return for the 2009/10 season. In October 2008, the park's Pinfari
Pinfari
Pinfari is an Italian brand of portable roller coasters found at travelling fairs. The Pinfari company was founded by Daniel Pinfari in Mantua. The brand has been especially known for compact models with small footprints, such as the popular ZL42. Pinfari was liquidated on 15 July 2004, due to the...
Roller Coaster, Storm was removed from the park and sold.
2009
On the evening of the 21st of April , an arson attack took place, destroying the Lost Dinosaurs of the Sahara (River Caves) and a nearby inflatable attraction.In May 2009, the original Pleasureland Wildcat coaster was bought by Norman Wallis and rebuilt in its original location.
The Wildcat opened on 12 August 2009.
2010
The 'Haunted Inn', the only remaining original feature of Pleasureland, was destroyed in a fire on 30 January 2010.The Pleasureland main entrance building, which was built not long before the original park closed in 2006, was also demolished in February 2010. The Casablanca Entertainment complex was repainted white in June 2010 and is awaiting refurbishment.
Indy's Lost World Indoor Roller Coaster was closed early 2010. It is to be replaced with a new Indoor Ghost Train. The ride is set to open in July 2010.
Battlefield Live Southport has opened on the site of the old Southport Zoo
Southport Zoo
Southport Zoo was a zoological garden in Southport, Merseyside, England run by Carol and Douglas Petrie. Historically within Lancashire, it was located close to the Pleasureland amusement park...
, which is immediately adjacent to PleasureLand. Battlefield Live is an outdoor combat game using guns that fire infra-red beams. The site is accessed via Pleasureland and it opened in August 2010.
2011
The park opened during the Easter Holidays hosting a Monstor Truck weekend. A circus was also moved onto the site for the spring season. The previous weekend hosted an Urban Graffiti Art Festival. There are plans for the site to continue use this year as a fair ground.Rollercoasters
| Opened | Closed | Ride Name |
|---|---|---|
| 2009 | - | "Wild Mouse" |
| 2009 | - | "Circus Clown" |
| 2008 | 2010 | "Indy's Lost World" |
| 1978 | - | "Wild Cat" |
Thrill Rides
| Opened | Closed | Ride Name |
|---|---|---|
| 2009 | - | "Devistator" |
| 2009 | - | "Speed Buzz" |
| 2011 | - | "Ridge Racer" |
| 2008 | - | "Rock 'N' Roll Express" |
| 2009 | - | "Superbob" |
| 2009 | - | "Waltzer" |
| 2008 | - | "Twister" |
| 2009 | - | "Jungle River" |
| 2008 | - | "Dominator" |
Other Rides
| Opened | Closed | Ride Name |
|---|---|---|
| 1994 | - | "Morrocan Golf" |
| - | - | "Dune Bugs" |
| - | - | "Junior Quad Bikes" |
| - | - | "Go Karts" |
| - | 2010 | "Haunted Inn" |
| 2007 | - | "Dodgems" |
| 2008 | - | "Pirate Ship" |
| 2009 | - | "Gallopers" |
| 2008 | - | "Swingboats" |
| 2009 | - | "Ski Jump" |
| 2009 | - | "Piggy Ride" |
| 2009 | - | "Super Satellite" |
| 2009 | - | "Mini Paratrooper" |
| 2008 | - | "Mini Wheel" |
| 2009 | - | "Trampolines" |
| 2009 | - | "Train" |
| 2009 | - | "Convoy" |
Notable Past Rides
| Opened | Closed | Ride Name | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1937 | 2006 | "Cyclone" | Wooden rollercoaster, opened on Good Friday 1937. Severely damaged by hurricane in January 1961, but quickly repaired and reopened in time for 1961 season. The station was damaged by fire in 1984 but was immediately rebuilt. Main structure demolished September 2006. Cars taken to Pleasure Beach Blackpool Pleasure Beach Blackpool Pleasure Beach Blackpool is a family owned amusement park and resort situated along the Fylde coast in Blackpool, England. It is the most visited amusement park in the United Kingdom, and one of the top twenty most-visited amusement parks in the world with an estimate of 5.5 million visitors in... . |
| 1998 | 2006 | "Chaos" | Relocated to Lightwater Valley Lightwater Valley Lightwater Valley is a theme park in Ripon, North Yorkshire, England. The park is perhaps best known for being the home of Europe’s longest rollercoaster - The Ultimate.... . |
| 2004 | 2006 | "Sandstorm" | Cage style attraction. Relocated to Dreamland Margate Dreamland Margate Dreamland Margate is an amusement park located in Margate, Kent, England. It is currently owned by Margate Town Centre Regeneration Company and is closed to the public... (June 2007) |
| 1975 | 2006 | "The Sky-Ride" | Cable cars. Relocated to Dreamland Margate Dreamland Margate Dreamland Margate is an amusement park located in Margate, Kent, England. It is currently owned by Margate Town Centre Regeneration Company and is closed to the public... (June 2007) |
| 2003 | 2006 | "Abdulla’s Dilemma" | Workings relocated to Dreamland Margate Dreamland Margate Dreamland Margate is an amusement park located in Margate, Kent, England. It is currently owned by Margate Town Centre Regeneration Company and is closed to the public... (June 2007) |
| 1997 | 2006 | "Tidal Wave" | Pirate ship. Relocated to M&D’s Scotland. |
| 2004 | 2006 | "Desert Convoy" | Car ride. Relocated to Knowsley Safari Park. |
| 1999 | 2006 | "TraumaTizer" | Relocated to Pleasure Beach Blackpool Pleasure Beach Blackpool Pleasure Beach Blackpool is a family owned amusement park and resort situated along the Fylde coast in Blackpool, England. It is the most visited amusement park in the United Kingdom, and one of the top twenty most-visited amusement parks in the world with an estimate of 5.5 million visitors in... . |
| 2000 | 2006 | "King Solomon's Mines" | Relocated to Dreamland Margate Dreamland Margate Dreamland Margate is an amusement park located in Margate, Kent, England. It is currently owned by Margate Town Centre Regeneration Company and is closed to the public... . |
| 1980s | 2006 | "Big Apple" | Current location unknown. Similar ride currently operates on site. |
| 2002 | 2006 | "Space Shot" | Relocated to Loudoun Castle Loudoun Castle Loudoun Castle is a ruined 19th century country house near Galston, in the Loudoun area of Ayrshire, Scotland. The ruins are protected as a category A listed building.-History:... . |
| 2004 | 2006 | "Lost Dinosaurs of the Sahara" | Workings relocated to Dreamland Margate Dreamland Margate Dreamland Margate is an amusement park located in Margate, Kent, England. It is currently owned by Margate Town Centre Regeneration Company and is closed to the public... . Building demolished 2009 after fire. |
| - | 2006 | "Gallopers" | Location Unknown |
| 1914 | 2006 | "Caterpillar" | Relocated to Dreamland Margate Dreamland Margate Dreamland Margate is an amusement park located in Margate, Kent, England. It is currently owned by Margate Town Centre Regeneration Company and is closed to the public... . |
| 1991 | 2006 | "Chewits Chewits Chewits is the brand name of a chewy, cuboid-shaped, soft taffy sweet manufactured by Leaf International. -History:Chewits was launched in the UK in 1965. The sweets were originally manufactured in Southport, but after the closing of the factory in 2006 manufacture was moved to Slovakia. The... Log Flume" |
Demolished June 2007. |
| 2006 | 2006 | "Chair-O-Planes" | Operated at New Pleasureland in 2008. |
| 1994 | 2005 | "Water Toboggans" | Removed in 2005 and put into storage. |
| - | 2006 | "Marakesh Express" | Relocated to Loudoun Castle Loudoun Castle Loudoun Castle is a ruined 19th century country house near Galston, in the Loudoun area of Ayrshire, Scotland. The ruins are protected as a category A listed building.-History:... . |
| 1955 | 2007 | "Fun House" | Refurbished in 2000, the Fun House continued to operate after park closure but was later gutted, with rides taken to Blackpool possibly for the rumored heritage museum as the rides where not found anywhere else. The original building is now being used for Indy's Lost Adventure. |
| 1992 | 2006 | "Viking Boats" | Relocated to Lightwater Valley Lightwater Valley Lightwater Valley is a theme park in Ripon, North Yorkshire, England. The park is perhaps best known for being the home of Europe’s longest rollercoaster - The Ultimate.... . |
| 1992 | 2006 | "Safari Bugs" | owned by caddick engineering. Location now unknown |
| 1912 | 2004 | "Sultan's Towers" | Helter Skelter. Destroyed 2005. |
| - | 2006 | "Flying Camels" | Relocated to Lightwater Valley Lightwater Valley Lightwater Valley is a theme park in Ripon, North Yorkshire, England. The park is perhaps best known for being the home of Europe’s longest rollercoaster - The Ultimate.... . |
| 1997 | 2006 | "The Mistral" | Relocated to Dreamland Margate Dreamland Margate Dreamland Margate is an amusement park located in Margate, Kent, England. It is currently owned by Margate Town Centre Regeneration Company and is closed to the public... . |
| 2006 | 2006 | "Big Wheel" | Temporary ride before closure, location unknown |
| 1931 | 2006 | "Ghost Train" | The original Ghost Train was closed in 1997 and replaced in 1998 by a new spinning-cars ride that reused many of the old ride's effects. Relocated to Dreamland Margate Dreamland Margate Dreamland Margate is an amusement park located in Margate, Kent, England. It is currently owned by Margate Town Centre Regeneration Company and is closed to the public... . |
| 1997 | 2006 | "Tagada" | Current location unknown. Similar ride currently operates on site. |
| 1995 | 2002? | "Himalaya" | Sold, Current location unknown. |
| 1949 | 2010 | "Haunted Inn" | The Haunted Inn (formerly the "Crazy Cottage") was the last remaining part of the old Pleasureland, but was burnt down on the 30th January 2010. |
| 1994 | 2000 | "Astroslide" | Sold, now in Tatsminda Park Georgia (Replaced by dodgems) |
| 1930 | 1977 | "Noah's Ark" | Destroyed by fire in September 1977 |
| 1949 | 2003 | "Waltzer" | Numerous Waltzer rides have been on site since 1940s |
Sky-Ride
While under the ownership of the Thompson family, two incidents occurred which gave a dint to the company's reputation.First Incident
In April 2004, four people were stranded on the ride due to an electrical fault.Second Incident
On August 25, 2004, a 59-year-old employee was killed after he became trapped on a cable car as he was performing maintenance on the ride. The park was fined £95,000 for breaching health and safety laws and was also ordered to pay £50,000 in costs.External links
- www.southportfunfair.co.uk The park's official website.
- www.battlefieldlive-southport.com New outdoor attraction at Pleasureland
- Urban Splash Will Develop Pleasureland Site A BBC News Report
- Official website (from Wayback Machine)
- Going, Going, Gone: The Original Southport Pleasureland On themagiceye at Joyland.
- http://www.newpleasureland.co.nr Featuring pictures and videos of New Pleasureland
- September 2010 article detailing the history of the park