Whenever I see these comparisons between how places used to look and how they look now I am struck by how utterly joyless and bleak these places have become.
Blackpools suffered the same demolition and destruction that many towns and cities did in the 60s and 70s. One of the most horrific things that was ever allowed is the extensions to bed and breakfasts and hotels. It was never carried out in a way that compliments the victorian architecture of many of the buildings. They were put up cheap and in an adhock manner which does no favours to the overall appearance of the seafront.
Not just in Blackpool,every city in Britain, Ernie was not just an Intrepid Tax Dodgerand Reputed Proffumo Affair participant. He handed out 'Developement Opportunities' all over the nation for a good numberr of years, - ON FORMER RAILWAY LAND !
It’s such a shame but money fuels the changes. I grew up on the Wirral and wondered why new brighton was held as such a gem. 30+ year later I now know why. The tower, the parks, the lido and more all gone. Southport (just) & Blackpool still rocking…. I don’t think this will be enough for Blackpool. I just hope the regeneration is on going and some of the old hotels are replaced. I do love the history but BP needs to grow xxx
In 1963 a plan was had proposed to close Blackpool North station, Blackpool Corporation successfully lobbied British Railways for Central to be closed instead, in order that it might buy the land for potentially lucrative redevelopment. A great mistake by British Railway, letting Blackpool Corporation win, It’s only taken them 60 years to finally develop it. I've live in Blackpool all my life 58 years and have seen many historic sites and buildings demolished for redevelopment by Blackpool Clowncil.
As a kid in the late fiftes/ sixties in Scotland and visiting England regularily,Yorkshire and somtimes London and Sussex and Devon and Cornwall,I can tell you The Railways were phenomenal,there was always something to see.Staff in those days were not strangled with corporate diktats and would let you on footplates or into signal boxes. Gawd knows what would have happened if a plug or a guage glass had blown out. It never happened in countless footplate experiences. I well remember the time some driver showed me how to start an 08 shunter. In General Terminus Ore Depot in Glasgow. When it started after much (to me) Hellish vibration I wanted off,to the laughter of all including my late dad. I must have been all off 4years old.
Those photo fades are the best I've seen. The attention to detail to get your shot in just the right location speak volumes of the attention you lavish on these videos. Thanks! Can't wait for the next episode.
My grandfather used to bring us to Blackpool as young kids to give my parents a break and so it holds very fond memories. I know not everything can stay the same but its hard to look at what Blackpool has become and think that so may decisions were not for the better. I was born in Llandudno so Victorian seaside resorts have a special place, thankfully Llandudno has retained a lot of the Victorian charm.
As a lifelong railway enthusiast I visited Blackpool Central a few times in the late 1950’s/early 1960’s & can attest to how busy it was. I put its decline down to some of the lines that fed it were closed, the general destruction of the railway system, making it more difficult to travel by trains & the inclusive tours holidays to sunnier climes.
Fantastic. My father was an engine driver at Bradfords Low Moor shed and did regular turns to Blackpool Central. He had stayed overnight in the lodge that you mention. Suprisingly, Blackpool Corporation insisted that British Rail close this line into Central Station rather than Blackpool North which BR wanted to close.
I think Blackpool council were correct in wanting Central to close and transfer to and expand Blackpool North. There was a lot of valuable (close to) seafront real estate like carriage sidings, loco maintenance facilities being taken up. A move to North Station was the obvious and best move. BR wouldn't have wanted Blackpool North kept because THEY would have had to pay more for its expansion rather than keep the, by then, Central Station wasteful land use. Really enjoyed the video Darren. thanks.
Brilliant work as ever Darren. As a former railway signaller of just under twenty five years, I found this fascinating and so interesting. I cannot believe Blackpool Council persuaded the powers that be to shut this once beautiful and busy station, as you said, the once most busiest in the world. The last few years it was then used as a bingo hall of all things. Nice fade ins/outs as ever great work.😉👍
Blackpool Council had nowt to do with it, Ernest Marples Transport Minister was responsible for every railway station in The Country in those days including Scotland and Wales. My generation saw the wonderfull Railway System with its Friendiy Staff and Fine Architecture vandelised all through the late sixties and The seventies Most staff left and found other jobs,although the ones you met as a youngster said they would never find a job like the railway. Marples created lots of 'Development Opportunities' out of invaluable, land, buildings,and infrastructure the likes of which is irreplacable today One of my favourit stories is about The Transport Users Consultative Comittee,the body charged with representing the public in event of rail closure. The line in question was the Peebles Loop which ran off the then Waverly Line. Failure of the TUCC to turn up at a local meeting to objections to the closure ended with an investigation by the local police. The police found The Comittee's representatives soon enough. THEY WERE JUGGING IT UP IN ONE OF THE LOCAL HOTELS WITH THEIR PALS AND FELLOW CIVIL SERVANTS FROM BRITISH RAILWAYS WHO HAD BEEN SENT TO OVERSEE THE LINES CLOSURE ! The Line CLosed along with many essential routes in Scotland,such were the multiple SCAMS that went on all through the sixties.England and Wales got hammered also.As soon as a line closed,key bridges and junctions sprouted garages or council depots or houses,usually with a 'blind eye'being turned to planning.The rest of the permenant way would become a garbage dump unless a road could be built on it.
@@philiprufus4427 Blackpool Council claimed that road congestion in the town was CAUSED by Central Station, and used every trick they could to get it closed. I was only a kid at the time, and I couldn't see the reason in it. I still can't.
Absolutely bloody brilliant. Overlaying the black and white photos at the right angle and perspective... genius. This is why I watch RUclips and don't bother with normal TV any more. Thank you so much.
Another fascinating upload, It did look so grand and can see why it was so busy. It's a shame it has changed so much. The photo fading was so good and really gives you an impression of how it use to be. Looking forward to seeing more in part 2.👍
When I was a young lad in the early 1960s, my parents used to take me to Blackpool for our annual holiday. We stayed in a boarding house on Vance Road. Before breakfast me and Dad used to walk down Vance Road to the station where he bought his newspaper. I still remember the smell of steam and smoke and the sound of slamming carriage doors echoing through the station. Happy days. Sad to see the area now, all gone.
The story I heard was that the council of Blackpool managed to talk British rail into closing the central station as they wanted to re-develop the site only taken them 60 years
I recall arriving at Blackpool Central Station from Yorkshire and the Blackpool of my boyhood back in the early sixties puts to the modern version to shame. The saddest thing is Blackpool council petitioned British Rail to scrap the Central as oppose to the North and possibly the South too. Blackpool Central with a bit of TLC that it desperately needed could have been the St Pancras International of the North. In my opinion when the Central station closed down and turned into car park and derelict one at that, it has some how influenced the decline of Blackpool and its greatness long gone!
Great video, Darren. You can really see the layout in the aerial shots. Another little bit of history I found out about Blackpool Central, was that in August 1941, two aircraft collided near the station, with debris crashing down on it, sadly 12 people lost their lives. I've seen a photo from the time that shows one of the huge mainwheels from one of the aircraft, lying on the street nearby.
What I always found interesting that BR. Didn't actually want to close central they were going to close North . As the tram link had gone by then . And north being smaller and tucked out of the way .. but Blackpool Corporation persuaded them to close central instead . There were some crimes on town planning carried out in the 60's and 70's Victorian was seen as old fashioned and the wonder product reinforced concrete panels ruled .
@@suzyqualcast6269 Burnley is still getting hit with it now. Except now it is with these metal panel buildings and little carboard box houses. We had a large and quite good looking (Not as good as the full fat victorian stuff) school on our doorstep and now it is a cardboard box with white interior walls estate.
Darren, you have to be the KING of photo fades. Nothing like vintage steam of any kind. Thanks again for all your time and effort in posting your work.....
Brilliant video Darren I do love these blackpool videos and the history of Blackpool are great I can't wait for more videos of Blackpool keep up the great work I hope you and your family and friends are well and safe
I can remember my dad using central station car park in the late sixties. The platforms were covered with stone flags and as you say the tracks were raised to the level of the platforms with the exception of the track nearest to the sea life centre which remained at it’s original level. The platform covers still remained and the main entrance had a bingo and some one armed bandits. The only entrance for cars was on Central drive and as you entered a car park attendant in a wooden hut gave you a time stamped ticket and you payed the attendant when leaving. Around 1973/74 Silcocks had a fair for a couple of seasons with dodgems, a waltzer, speedway, ski jump, swinging gyms and some side stalls on the site where Coral Island now stands.
Fascinating info. The photos are amazing when you blend the past with the present. What a history and memories for those who remember From the 60’s and 70’s. Excellent footage and research Darren. Thank you.
Hi Darren, Fantastic about time this station was Showen for its true self and what a waste when it closed, my dad as a lad living in waterloo road south shore one Sunday after Sunday school went adventuring in what i believe was the locomotives and carriage sidings and Apon climbing a fence ripped his trousers and when he got home his mum my nan gave him what for! I can also remember south shore station building with the model railway in it, but there aren't many photos of south shore stn building nor can i find any of the model railway.... Tony
Great video , the square flat roofed red brick building on Central Drive was actually the former engine man's barracks for Central MPD which up until around 1989 the inspection pits were still visable.
Cracking video Darren. I was really looking forward to this series and it has been as good as I knew it would be. Loving the photo fades, it's criminal what Blackpool Council did to this Station.
I was 8 when Central closed. Which moron that came up with that plan and transfer services to North was completely insane. The aerial views show the uncovered platforms to the left of the station. Those were the excursion platforms. They were little used out of season. The "main" part of the station was under the canopies on the right hand side and operated the timetable services. Great video, this is going to be a fascinating but very tragic series.
@@dhm1983 Beeching was appointed by Marples at twice his forbares salary( Marples hatchet man,and fall guy) without Marples and to a lesser extent Beeching to say yes,the council could have 'Got Knotted. Marples was the Transport Minister, I will because I can !
I really think you would have made a great history teacher because you teach us so much! As you know am not a fan of Blackpool but watching all of your videos I think I need to re-vist soon. Its definitely an interesting place.
Your videos on the history of Blackpool are always very interesting! I was looking at old photos of how Bank Hey Street used to look, interesting to see how things have developed from then to now. Great video
Because I spent many hours scouring this area back in steam days, this episode was so very interesting. In the station alighting to trespass Blackpool shed it seemed as if the Tower loomed above, what days, what memories, thank you for the fades they are terrific.
Darren, your work gets better and better with each video. The accuracy in aligning old images with the current view is stunning. The way in which you matched the iron work of the Blackpool Tower with your view from the car park was spot-on. May I ask how you achieve this? I have only been to Blackpool once in the very late 1960’s. So, apart from the B&B meals, which contained heaps of boiled potatoes, I don’t really recall much. I know we went on the Trams and up the Tower. I wonder if it was late in the season as I think I remember seeing the incredible lights. As always, thanks for the wonderful entertainment. The sharing of knowledge and your incredible enthusiasm.
Fantastic footage and love the overlays from back in the day. You can see the original toilet block on the old overlay, the white building to the right of the second zebra crossing. It was lovely inside to see all the original features. The King Edward Apartments were still lived in until around a decade ago. I used to drive a taxi and would pick up from their regularly, the entrance was around the back in the car park. It will be sad to see this building go as it also houses one of the oldest pubs "The King Edward" and the old victorian cinema/theatre next door. The dates can be seen from Central Drive side. I wonder wher all the cars will park when the new entertainment complex and hotel are built, like Blackpool needed more of them!
It's still so exciting to get off the train at Blackpool North, but I'd just love to go back to experience the busy 14 platform station in the resort's heyday! So cool! Oooh and I do get excited over a photo fade 🤤😅
I've been looking forward to this and it's in parts it is a huge site. Not only that all the connections it had was just amazing! Your photo fades answer so many questions because you can pause the video and have a good look. But they did get rid of so many great buildings and that train station would of been a god send!
Every video I which on this channel brings back a flood of memories for me. As a young child my parents would take me to holiday towns on the east coast from the City Station using what was call a Runabout ticket. We visited Bridlington, Scarborough and my favourite Whitby. To get to Whitby we first went to Scarborough and then caught a train along the coast via Robinhood Bay to Whitby. At Whitby the train first went to the West Cliff station and then reversed down to Whitby Town station. Later I became a keen train spotter, travelling from Leeds Central to Doncaster to watch the trains on the London to Newcastle route and to visit the locomotive works in Doncaster, (this involved climbing though a fence and looking into the workshop, until someone saw me and chased me out). I also visited the engine sheds at Holbeck, Farsley, Stourton and Neville Hill. Thank you for your excellent videos.
Blackpool Council even today should be in prison for their lack of foresight, they've systematically torn away too many historic buildings and what's left now it's just a metal and concrete chav jungle.
The old Tram depot roof needs money spent on it . What's happened ,not a lot from Councils ,Companies etc . Old Trams being aloud to crumble too when the New Depot is all hi tech weather proof . What a joke these councils are all over the country & World . Sad to see Everything great going to Waste . Old Post office building up for sale in centre of Blackpool . Left to decay ,smashed windows Old iron railings. Sad to see again .
Not just Blackpool, and to be fair most councils now appreciate historical worth that they did in the 60s/70s. It was a completely different mindset then where they would actively encourage the removal of "old" to be replaced by modern. Look at North Pier, fantastic Victorian architecture, replaced by a box more suited to a service station on a motrorway. .
Really well done, your videos are really enjoyable and informative and the way you merge the old and new pictures really brings the story to life. I'm looking forwards to part 2.
Thanks for another really enjoyable video, such a shame the station has been lost it would have been a real entrance to the town today. I look forward to more videos on the old railway line.
As a Blackpool native, this actually got me quite emotional at the end. Seeing that absolutely stunning train station that used to be such a powerhouse in the olden days gradually fade away, & is now just a car park & a past-its-best arcade... it's really sad. There is nothing left of the old site, not even the damn toilet block! Shame :(
The real tragedy is that in the Beeching Report Blackpool North was to be closed and Blackpool Central and the terminus at Fleetwood retained. However, someone on the council saw a route to grab money and petitioned to have Central closed and North retained, so that the land could be developed for tourism purposes. The decision was reversed and Central closed, but the knock on was that BR didn’t want two terminuses on the north of the Fylde, so Fleetwood closed too, and the area lost it passenger services as well. And what happened? The central corridor became a vast carpark for 60 years and apart from the awful Coral Island development nothing happened until now. What a waste.
Developers and councils made a fortune with the vandalism of Victorian architecture in the sixties, plenty of dodgy deals and brown envelopes on golf courses,still the same modus operandi today.
Great little film. I was born in Blackpool in '66 so cannot remember the station, even the station building when it was bingo hall from 64 to 73. Always fascinated by Central and the 21 miles if coach sidings down as far as South station on Waterloo Rd. All 3 stations have been slaughtered The old North Station was demolished along with the remains of Central in '74. I do however remember the old North Station probably because it was still in use. South station was fascinating as it was on both the Coast line fron Kirkham and the Marton line also from Kirkham. Both these lines and the one to North station all diverged at Kirkham North Junction. The whole set up was increadible. Many inportant buildings in Blackpool including these stations have been lost. Terrible council, thats why Blackpool is in the terrible state it finds itself in today. Makes me wanna cry when i see what these philistines have done to my lovely home town.
My car got stolen from that carpark one Wednesday night in the mid 90's, when I went into the police station to report it the desk sergeant asked me where I had parked it and I literally pointed out of the window to the space.
It's hard to believe all that infrastructure that was there and its gone forever I bet not many tourists know what they are parking their car on when they turn up at Blackpool for a day trip your videos always blow my mind and the photo fading is spot-on was the railway closed due to beechings cuts or something else fantastic video as usual and keep up the good work 👏
We had two more mainline stations in Glasgow, one as big as St Pancras and desighned by the same architect,the first public building in Glasgow to be lit with electric light. The Royal Navy used the top floor of its hotel as an outstation of The Navy's Bath headquarters in two world wars. Guess what ?Its a shopping centre now,a complete B - - - - - Eysore to what was there before.
If you look at Google earth you will see it is still possible to extend the railway north from Blackpool South on to the new development of the old Central Station site
Absolutely fascinating video to stumble across and watch. I live locally and always knew of the old central station but I never get bored of looking back at what it used to look like. It seems such a pity it went from such a grand station to what can only be described as a shoddy car park at best. So many missed opportunities over time to have made this site something for the town to be proud of but that’s another story. As a child in the 80s I remember walking along the Yeadon Way, which was one of the main routes into Central Station after the tracks had been lifted but before the current road was built. I wonder if you have or could find any footage of this part of the line? Excellent video, really enjoyed it.
One of the biggest mistakes that Blackpool council ever caused, shocking as doctor beeching never recommended Blackpool central to close but rather Blackpool north
Another great video Darren I actually walked this route in 1998 but your video is even more advanced. I think you and Martin Zero would do a great job in Scotland walking the old branch lines in the Highlands like Julia Bradbury did in her railway walks series. I think you two could do a better job. Sorry Julia😅
Brilliant vid once again and It was an absolute crime when they demolished the old Central station building. Its just lucky places like the old Odeon cinema with its art deco splendor survives as the Funny Girls theatre.
you didn't mention it but there was a WW2 air disaster in 1941 at Blackpool during an air display two RAF aircraft collided one came down in the concourse of Blackpool central station killing 12 people
Another superb video; and one that warrants multiple viewings. The quality of the presentation and the care and attention you put into your work is very impressive. But it's those photo-fades that do it for me. The visual marrying of past and present is fascinating.
Really good job, Darren. I recall me and my pal going on a work's outing to Blackpool by coach. We missed the last coach back to Leeds (due to being distracted by two young ladies we had danced with in the Pavillion (ballroom) - what can I say? We were young lads! :-P We caught a train to Leeds the next morning and I thought it was from Central, but it must've been North station. This was back in, I think, 1978. Thanks for all your highly enjoyable presentations. 🙂
Huge mistake when Blackpool council opted to close Blackpool Central with the agreement of British Railways. They thought the land was perfect for a central car park. The station deposited holiday makers right in the heart of the town and transferring the main station to Bpl north was a bad move. I believe that Blackpool Central was the largest and busiest station to be marked for closure under the beeching axe in the 60s. Bad decision. Still felt to this day. Top footage again Darren. Love it !!
I wonder what would have happened if Beeching’s proposals had been adopted, with the lines to Fleetwood and North closing and Central being retained. Would it still be there today, maybe in reduced form, or would the need for the car park and approach road have been too great, with Central also closing later, leaving the town with either no station at all, or just one half of South
IIRC I believe BR suggested North to close and keep central, but as is tradition the council opted for the smaller station. Something about connecting it to the motorway? I admit it's a good idea but we still lost a massive station. They should have made South station a bigger station in my opinion.
@@Black-1ce South was a bigger station, it had four platforms, one pair on the existing line and the other on the now closed direct line from Kirkham. Both routes continued beyond South to Central.
Yep, I heard BR thought BPL north was the better candidate for closure. Blackpool council went for the option that cars were more popular at the time than railways. They also knew the land was more valuable where central station stood. Still an enormous mistake. The new entertainment centre and re development of the area will tidy up a shabby area and be good for Blackpool in the future.
How times have changed. This former station's title of the busiest in the world with less than twenty platforms was impressive enough. The current record holder however has fifty three. If you include the underground stations' platforms though, Shinjuku in Tokyo has two hundred platforms!
How smart people were...Pictures of my Dad he dressed like the people near the station back in the day.Ladies in pretty dress's hats coats.....JOGGERS TRAINERS HOODIES HORRIBLE..
A SUPERB presentation. I love history, especially 'local' history. I wasn't born when they scrapped the Central Station, but I do remember walking under the bridges under Waterloo Road. It just shows you how this once-great resort changed within half a lifetime. Much of the old guest houses and hotels have gone since I was a kid on hols there. Loads of old films of Blackpool online now, one from the 1960s ( Excursion) where it shows a coach pulling into the Pleasure Beach coach park. There in the background is The Balmoral Hotel on the end of Balmoral Road. ( it was called that in 1971, not sure about early-mid 1960's). Keep making these fabulous history vids!
Nothing remains and im from blackpool my grandad used to run a chippy on central drive ,which is over the road from old station it got shut ,and they left north station open .
The invention of the all included holiday killed every single British seaside town. Why go to Blackpool, Brighton, Penzance or Dover if you can go to Malaga, Barcelona or Porto for less money where your pound buys more, where the sun always shines and you can escape droopy old England for a while. All these cities had a grand past but that’s gone now and will never come back
It was the biggest station closed by the beeching cuts, the council promised a development of the land on doing so that never happened. As with many it was closed under false pretenses. Of course the forward thinking and planning council have thought about the future and might build over the whole sight just in time for public transport to make a comeback.
Remember parts of Central Station when I was a kid,also remember the big wheel that was shown in you're post,there was also a big pool with scaffolding seating that had dolphins there,must of been temporary.
Looks like I missed this one, Darren. I certainly remember the old station building in its bingo days - and I've used that toilet block you mention on many occasions too, I'm sure! I'm not certain if I remember those old platform canopies standing or not - you know sometimes you see a photograph and it seems to jog your memory somehow - that. Likewise, I'm not certain I remember the Palatine Hotel - but I do remember Coral Island when it was new, and seeing it for the first time. I probably have and was too young to recognise what they'd previously been... Also, the old 'big' Marks & Spencer store in the background, shown as McDonald's, Bon Marche and more. With the modern-looking frontage upstairs. (There was another, smaller, old-fashioned branch in nearby Church Street, that didn't even have flourescent lighting - and a smaller version still, in Lord Street, Fleetwood!) It'll be interesting to see what's left when they've finished - in all likelihood there will still be some traces of the site's use in the days of our grandparents...
Hi Darren!! Another great video! So interesting to see how Blackpool used to be!! Interesting to see the railway, and all the old pictures edited into your video…all so cool to see!! Then and now. I’m 35, and I’ve been going to Blackpool for years. I always remember the Coral Island arcade being there 😂🤣 Thank you Martin
One thing not mentioned, Central station was the focus of Blackpool's worst incident during the Second World War. Blackpool was home base for a major flight training centre and a fighter squadron during the war. On 27 August 1941, two aircraft-a Blackburn Botha trainer and a Boulton Paul Defiant fighter-collided in midair over the sea, just off Blackpool's central seafront. The debris from the collision was strewn over a large area; a large part of it struck Central station, causing severe damage and killing twelve people.
Its great to see this with the before and after pics showing the old Woolworths building on the corner of the Prom and Bank Hey Street. In the 90s I remember it as Pricebusters ,the one stop shop for the soveniers ! The Building always reminded me of a 1930s bakelite radio!!! When i was last in Blackpool i dropped into Witherspoon's for a pint!!!!
I believe one of Dr Beechings recommendations was retaining Central Station and closing North Station, but Blackpool Council thought otherwise??? The King Edward apartments could possibly have be for the engine crews on lodging turns, many steam MPD had these close by?
Excellent informative video. I have been to Blackpool so many times. Love steam trains. First time that I am aware of Blackpool Central. I Learnt so much by watching the video. Internet can be very useful at times 😊
What amazing videos about Blackpool Central and love the way you fade in / out with incredible precision the old with the present. So why on earth did Blackpool Council want to shut down shut such a major railway station, like Blackpool Central station, it makes no sense to me. I'm sure we all know that the car became the newest fad of the late 1950s and early 1960s, but to sever the railway in favour of a car park just seems absolutely absurd.
Hello, I recently visited the site and met a builder who said they had uncovered a railway turntable and the foundations for terraced houses on the slip road (behind King Edward Cinema, pub and apartments)? … I have very poor eyesight so I can’t quite see on the drone shots before the car park was built.. I wonder whether the terraced houses were railway related.. The builder promised to send me a photograph of the turntable but he never did.😢
Council did this intentionally for the car parking revenue. If calculate by how many years, how many spaces, and what the daily fee is / was, it runs into millions and millions. Note also before the new car park was developed there was even car parking space available. Also add the spaces at South Stn......
Hi, Are you sure it completely stopped in 1963? I didn't move there until 1964 and thought I caught trains which came to central station for a year or two.
Brilliant video, brought back many memories of when I was a child in the 50's arriving there by train, the merging of photos was fantastic! - great work, thanks.
The Beeching Report recommended closure of Blackpool North, and retention of Central, but the County Borough of Blackpool had other ideas. Even Blackpool North did not escape; the main station was demolished, and a new station opened on the eight excursion platforms. Two of those are now out of use.
Omg brings back memories of the 50's holidays mother always liked south shore station as our digs were in Osbourne road but most times we arrived at central grandparents mom and dad uncle and aunt me and my brother always thought it was the other side of the world from Wolverhampton Always very busy with taxi's in front of station Thanks for great video The one of the pleasure beach was great
Enjoyed watching. The good bit is actual station areas that remain transformed into the old station pics. This makes it so easy to imagine, where and how it was. Maybe a bit of a chat about the railway company that made it, and its destinations would have been good to add. Thanks for making the vid.
Great video. I always wondered what it was like. My granddad owned a popular cafe opposite the station called Wells Cafe in the 60's and 70's. He used to say people arrived of the trains and queued up at the cafe door for fish and chips! If you can find any pictures of that it would be awesome!
Whenever I see these comparisons between how places used to look and how they look now I am struck by how utterly joyless and bleak these places have become.
I know not everything was better in the past, but omg how they slaughtered the historic sites in Blackpool
Thanks mate
Blackpools suffered the same demolition and destruction that many towns and cities did in the 60s and 70s. One of the most horrific things that was ever allowed is the extensions to bed and breakfasts and hotels. It was never carried out in a way that compliments the victorian architecture of many of the buildings. They were put up cheap and in an adhock manner which does no favours to the overall appearance of the seafront.
Not just in Blackpool,every city in Britain, Ernie was not just an Intrepid Tax Dodgerand Reputed Proffumo Affair participant.
He handed out 'Developement Opportunities' all over the nation for a good numberr of years, - ON FORMER RAILWAY LAND !
It’s such a shame but money fuels the changes. I grew up on the Wirral and wondered why new brighton was held as such a gem. 30+ year later I now know why. The tower, the parks, the lido and more all gone. Southport (just) & Blackpool still rocking…. I don’t think this will be enough for Blackpool. I just hope the regeneration is on going and some of the old hotels are replaced. I do love the history but BP needs to grow xxx
In 1963 a plan was had proposed to close Blackpool North station, Blackpool Corporation successfully lobbied British Railways for Central to be closed instead, in order that it might buy the land for potentially lucrative redevelopment. A great mistake by British Railway, letting Blackpool Corporation win, It’s only taken them 60 years to finally develop it. I've live in Blackpool all my life 58 years and have seen many historic sites and buildings demolished for redevelopment by Blackpool Clowncil.
Loving the fade-ins. It's crazy that such a massive station is gone.
As a kid in the late fiftes/ sixties in Scotland and visiting England regularily,Yorkshire and somtimes London and Sussex and Devon and Cornwall,I can tell you The Railways were phenomenal,there was always something to see.Staff in those days were not strangled with corporate diktats and would let you on footplates or into signal boxes. Gawd knows what would have happened if a plug or a guage glass had blown out. It never happened in countless footplate experiences.
I well remember the time some driver showed me how to start an 08 shunter. In General Terminus Ore Depot in Glasgow.
When it started after much (to me) Hellish vibration I wanted off,to the laughter of all including my late dad.
I must have been all off 4years old.
Those photo fades are the best I've seen. The attention to detail to get your shot in just the right location speak volumes of the attention you lavish on these videos. Thanks!
Can't wait for the next episode.
Seconded, I know how much time it requires to get these so bang on, really brings a long lost location to life.
Thanks mate
Amazing! Lived here nearly all my life and never knew any of this. How beautiful Blackpool Town once was. Thank you.
My grandfather used to bring us to Blackpool as young kids to give my parents a break and so it holds very fond memories. I know not everything can stay the same but its hard to look at what Blackpool has become and think that so may decisions were not for the better. I was born in Llandudno so Victorian seaside resorts have a special place, thankfully Llandudno has retained a lot of the Victorian charm.
Can't believe what a mess it looks now,. It looked amazing back in the day. Great work 👍
As a lifelong railway enthusiast I visited Blackpool Central a few times in the late 1950’s/early 1960’s & can attest to how busy it was. I put its decline down to some of the lines that fed it were closed, the general destruction of the railway system, making it more difficult to travel by trains & the inclusive tours holidays to sunnier climes.
Fantastic. My father was an engine driver at Bradfords Low Moor shed and did regular turns to Blackpool Central. He had stayed overnight in the lodge that you mention. Suprisingly, Blackpool Corporation insisted that British Rail close this line into Central Station rather than Blackpool North which BR wanted to close.
Thanks mate
I think Blackpool council were correct in wanting Central to close and transfer to and expand Blackpool North. There was a lot of valuable (close to) seafront real estate like carriage sidings, loco maintenance facilities being taken up. A move to North Station was the obvious and best move. BR wouldn't have wanted Blackpool North kept because THEY would have had to pay more for its expansion rather than keep the, by then, Central Station wasteful land use. Really enjoyed the video Darren. thanks.
Brilliant work as ever Darren. As a former railway signaller of just under twenty five years, I found this fascinating and so interesting. I cannot believe Blackpool Council persuaded the powers that be to shut this once beautiful and busy station, as you said, the once most busiest in the world. The last few years it was then used as a bingo hall of all things. Nice fade ins/outs as ever great work.😉👍
signal PERSON.
Car parking revenue reasons.
@@bobbobby9798 yes most certainly
Blackpool Council had nowt to do with it, Ernest Marples Transport Minister was responsible for every railway station in
The Country in those days including Scotland and Wales. My generation saw the wonderfull Railway System with its Friendiy Staff and Fine Architecture vandelised all through the late sixties and The seventies Most staff left and found other jobs,although the ones you met as a youngster said they would never find a job like the railway.
Marples created lots of 'Development Opportunities' out of invaluable, land, buildings,and infrastructure the likes of which is irreplacable today
One of my favourit stories is about The Transport Users Consultative Comittee,the body charged with representing the public in event of rail closure. The line in question was the Peebles Loop which ran off the then Waverly Line. Failure of the TUCC to turn up at a local meeting to objections to the closure ended with an investigation by the local police.
The police found The Comittee's representatives soon enough. THEY WERE JUGGING IT UP IN ONE OF THE LOCAL HOTELS WITH THEIR PALS AND FELLOW CIVIL SERVANTS FROM BRITISH RAILWAYS WHO HAD BEEN SENT TO OVERSEE THE LINES CLOSURE ! The Line CLosed along with many essential routes in Scotland,such were the multiple SCAMS that went on all through the sixties.England and Wales got hammered also.As soon as a line closed,key bridges and junctions sprouted garages or council depots or houses,usually with a 'blind eye'being turned to planning.The rest of the permenant way would become a garbage dump unless a road could be built on it.
@@philiprufus4427 Blackpool Council claimed that road congestion in the town was CAUSED by Central Station, and used every trick they could to get it closed.
I was only a kid at the time, and I couldn't see the reason in it.
I still can't.
Absolutely bloody brilliant. Overlaying the black and white photos at the right angle and perspective... genius.
This is why I watch RUclips and don't bother with normal TV any more.
Thank you so much.
Another fascinating upload, It did look so grand and can see why it was so busy. It's a shame it has changed so much. The photo fading was so good and really gives you an impression of how it use to be. Looking forward to seeing more in part 2.👍
When I was a young lad in the early 1960s, my parents used to take me to Blackpool for our annual holiday. We stayed in a boarding house on Vance Road. Before breakfast me and Dad used to walk down Vance Road to the station where he bought his newspaper. I still remember the smell of steam and smoke and the sound of slamming carriage doors echoing through the station. Happy days. Sad to see the area now, all gone.
The story I heard was that the council of Blackpool managed to talk British rail into closing the central station as they wanted to re-develop the site only taken them 60 years
Yeah your rite it's only been a car park for many years sadly .
I recall arriving at Blackpool Central Station from Yorkshire and the Blackpool of my boyhood back in the early sixties puts to the modern version to shame. The saddest thing is Blackpool council petitioned British Rail to scrap the Central as oppose to the North and possibly the South too. Blackpool Central with a bit of TLC that it desperately needed could have been the St Pancras International of the North. In my opinion when the Central station closed down and turned into car park and derelict one at that, it has some how influenced the decline of Blackpool and its greatness long gone!
Great video, Darren. You can really see the layout in the aerial shots. Another little bit of history I found out about Blackpool Central, was that in August 1941, two aircraft collided near the station, with debris crashing down on it, sadly 12 people lost their lives. I've seen a photo from the time that shows one of the huge mainwheels from one of the aircraft, lying on the street nearby.
Love the train history Darren and you are really a master of morph with the fade ins, the old cars were interesting too. Thanks for posting
What I always found interesting that BR. Didn't actually want to close central they were going to close North . As the tram link had gone by then . And north being smaller and tucked out of the way .. but Blackpool Corporation persuaded them to close central instead . There were some crimes on town planning carried out in the 60's and 70's Victorian was seen as old fashioned and the wonder product reinforced concrete panels ruled .
Thanks mate
Post war young blood revisionists given a virtual free reign, Liverpool got whacked like that, and many others.
@@suzyqualcast6269 Burnley is still getting hit with it now. Except now it is with these metal panel buildings and little carboard box houses. We had a large and quite good looking (Not as good as the full fat victorian stuff) school on our doorstep and now it is a cardboard box with white interior walls estate.
Darren, you have to be the KING of photo fades. Nothing like vintage steam of any kind. Thanks again for all your time and effort in posting your work.....
Wow,I've been to Blackpool countless times but never knew there was a station next to Blackpool Tower way back when. Fantastic vlog Darren.
Amazing work fella. I really appreciate the effort you put in on these videos
Brilliant video Darren I do love these blackpool videos and the history of Blackpool are great I can't wait for more videos of Blackpool keep up the great work I hope you and your family and friends are well and safe
The photo fades are the best I’ve ever seen and bring everything back to life , keep it up 👍🏻 brilliant
Thanks, love these Blacklpool videos they bring back lots of memories of visiting there when I was young 🙂
Glad you enjoyed it
Excellent work - fascinating history and summary. Superb !
I can remember my dad using central station car park in the late sixties. The platforms were covered with stone flags and as you say the tracks were raised to the level of the platforms with the exception of the track nearest to the sea life centre which remained at it’s original level. The platform covers still remained and the main entrance had a bingo and some one armed bandits. The only entrance for cars was on Central drive and as you entered a car park attendant in a wooden hut gave you a time stamped ticket and you payed the attendant when leaving. Around 1973/74 Silcocks had a fair for a couple of seasons with dodgems, a waltzer, speedway, ski jump, swinging gyms and some side stalls on the site where Coral Island now stands.
Fascinating info. The photos are amazing when you blend the past with the present. What a history and memories for those who remember From the 60’s and 70’s. Excellent footage and research Darren. Thank you.
Hi Darren, Fantastic about time this station was Showen for its true self and what a waste when it closed, my dad as a lad living in waterloo road south shore one Sunday after Sunday school went adventuring in what i believe was the locomotives and carriage sidings and Apon climbing a fence ripped his trousers and when he got home his mum my nan gave him what for!
I can also remember south shore station building with the model railway in it, but there aren't many photos of south shore stn building nor can i find any of the model railway.... Tony
Great video , the square flat roofed red brick building on Central Drive was actually the former engine man's barracks for Central MPD which up until around 1989 the inspection pits were still visable.
Back in the fifties and sixties travelled all the way from Glasgow for my summer holidays. Brought back fond memories
Cracking video Darren. I was really looking forward to this series and it has been as good as I knew it would be. Loving the photo fades, it's criminal what Blackpool Council did to this Station.
Always entertaining, informative and excellently researched. Wonderful stuff!
Glad you enjoyed it!
Great video mate enjoyed watching that! must have taken ages to plan an edit! good job
Thanks mate. Yes they took a while. But they all do. It's those fades and research.
I was 8 when Central closed. Which moron that came up with that plan and transfer services to North was completely insane. The aerial views show the uncovered platforms to the left of the station. Those were the excursion platforms. They were little used out of season. The "main" part of the station was under the canopies on the right hand side and operated the timetable services.
Great video, this is going to be a fascinating but very tragic series.
For once it wasn't Beeching. It was the council
@@dhm1983 Beeching was appointed by Marples at twice his forbares salary( Marples hatchet man,and fall guy) without Marples and to a lesser extent Beeching to say yes,the council could have 'Got Knotted.
Marples was the Transport Minister, I will because I can !
Beeching advocated the closure of Blackpool North. He had no use for excursion or seasonal traffic.
I really think you would have made a great history teacher because you teach us so much! As you know am not a fan of Blackpool but watching all of your videos I think I need to re-vist soon. Its definitely an interesting place.
he s a top bloke
Your videos on the history of Blackpool are always very interesting! I was looking at old photos of how Bank Hey Street used to look, interesting to see how things have developed from then to now. Great video
Another brilliant video Darren, and as ever, your photo fades are excellent.
Because I spent many hours scouring this area back in steam days, this episode was so very interesting. In the station alighting to trespass Blackpool shed it seemed as if the Tower loomed above, what days, what memories, thank you for the fades they are terrific.
Darren, your work gets better and better with each video. The accuracy in aligning old images with the current view is stunning. The way in which you matched the iron work of the Blackpool Tower with your view from the car park was spot-on. May I ask how you achieve this?
I have only been to Blackpool once in the very late 1960’s. So, apart from the B&B meals, which contained heaps of boiled potatoes, I don’t really recall much. I know we went on the Trams and up the Tower. I wonder if it was late in the season as I think I remember seeing the incredible lights.
As always, thanks for the wonderful entertainment. The sharing of knowledge and your incredible enthusiasm.
Thanks robin
Fantastic footage and love the overlays from back in the day. You can see the original toilet block on the old overlay, the white building to the right of the second zebra crossing. It was lovely inside to see all the original features. The King Edward Apartments were still lived in until around a decade ago. I used to drive a taxi and would pick up from their regularly, the entrance was around the back in the car park. It will be sad to see this building go as it also houses one of the oldest pubs "The King Edward" and the old victorian cinema/theatre next door. The dates can be seen from Central Drive side. I wonder wher all the cars will park when the new entertainment complex and hotel are built, like Blackpool needed more of them!
It's still so exciting to get off the train at Blackpool North, but I'd just love to go back to experience the busy 14 platform station in the resort's heyday! So cool!
Oooh and I do get excited over a photo fade 🤤😅
I've been looking forward to this and it's in parts it is a huge site. Not only that all the connections it had was just amazing! Your photo fades answer so many questions because you can pause the video and have a good look. But they did get rid of so many great buildings and that train station would of been a god send!
Couldn't agree more!
Every video I which on this channel brings back a flood of memories for me. As a young child my parents would take me to holiday towns on the east coast from the City Station using what was call a Runabout ticket. We visited Bridlington, Scarborough and my favourite Whitby. To get to Whitby we first went to Scarborough and then caught a train along the coast via Robinhood Bay to Whitby. At Whitby the train first went to the West Cliff station and then reversed down to Whitby Town station. Later I became a keen train spotter, travelling from Leeds Central to Doncaster to watch the trains on the London to Newcastle route and to visit the locomotive works in Doncaster, (this involved climbing though a fence and looking into the workshop, until someone saw me and chased me out). I also visited the engine sheds at Holbeck, Farsley, Stourton and Neville Hill.
Thank you for your excellent videos.
Blackpool Council even today should be in prison for their lack of foresight, they've systematically torn away too many historic buildings and what's left now it's just a metal and concrete chav jungle.
Thanks mate
The old Tram depot roof needs money spent on it . What's happened ,not a lot from Councils ,Companies etc . Old Trams being aloud to crumble too when the New Depot is all hi tech weather proof . What a joke these councils are all over the country & World . Sad to see Everything great going to Waste . Old Post office building up for sale in centre of Blackpool . Left to decay ,smashed windows Old iron railings. Sad to see again .
Not just Blackpool, and to be fair most councils now appreciate historical worth that they did in the 60s/70s. It was a completely different mindset then where they would actively encourage the removal of "old" to be replaced by modern. Look at North Pier, fantastic Victorian architecture, replaced by a box more suited to a service station on a motrorway. .
Really well done, your videos are really enjoyable and informative and the way you merge the old and new pictures really brings the story to life. I'm looking forwards to part 2.
Thanks for another really enjoyable video, such a shame the station has been lost it would have been a real entrance to the town today. I look forward to more videos on the old railway line.
I’ve been going to Blackpool every year since 1985, and I never knew this! I love Blackpool and this channel is just absolutely amazing! 👏🏻👏🏻
Amazing video I had absolutely no idea that even existed. Can't wait for part 2 😁
Fantastic as always. I knew there was once a station there but seeing it imposed on the existing site is great, Thank you,
Glad you enjoyed it
Simply stunning work as always :-)
As a Blackpool native, this actually got me quite emotional at the end. Seeing that absolutely stunning train station that used to be such a powerhouse in the olden days gradually fade away, & is now just a car park & a past-its-best arcade... it's really sad. There is nothing left of the old site, not even the damn toilet block! Shame :(
The real tragedy is that in the Beeching Report Blackpool North was to be closed and Blackpool Central and the terminus at Fleetwood retained. However, someone on the council saw a route to grab money and petitioned to have Central closed and North retained, so that the land could be developed for tourism purposes. The decision was reversed and Central closed, but the knock on was that BR didn’t want two terminuses on the north of the Fylde, so Fleetwood closed too, and the area lost it passenger services as well.
And what happened? The central corridor became a vast carpark for 60 years and apart from the awful Coral Island development nothing happened until now. What a waste.
Developers and councils made a fortune with the vandalism of Victorian architecture in the sixties, plenty of dodgy deals and brown envelopes on golf courses,still the same modus operandi today.
Great little film. I was born in Blackpool in '66 so cannot remember the station, even the station building when it was bingo hall from 64 to 73. Always fascinated by Central and the 21 miles if coach sidings down as far as South station on Waterloo Rd. All 3 stations have been slaughtered The old North Station was demolished along with the remains of Central in '74. I do however remember the old North Station probably because it was still in use. South station was fascinating as it was on both the Coast line fron Kirkham and the Marton line also from Kirkham. Both these lines and the one to North station all diverged at Kirkham North Junction. The whole set up was increadible. Many inportant buildings in Blackpool including these stations have been lost. Terrible council, thats why Blackpool is in the terrible state it finds itself in today. Makes me wanna cry when i see what these philistines have done to my lovely home town.
That development has as much chance of getting up as the other 15 in the what; 30-40 years since that area has been empty.
My car got stolen from that carpark one Wednesday night in the mid 90's, when I went into the police station to report it the desk sergeant asked me where I had parked it and I literally pointed out of the window to the space.
It's hard to believe all that infrastructure that was there and its gone forever I bet not many tourists know what they are parking their car on when they turn up at Blackpool for a day trip your videos always blow my mind and the photo fading is spot-on was the railway closed due to beechings cuts or something else fantastic video as usual and keep up the good work 👏
We had two more mainline stations in Glasgow, one as big as St Pancras and desighned by the same architect,the first public building in Glasgow to be lit with electric light. The Royal Navy used the top floor of its hotel as an outstation of The Navy's Bath headquarters in two world wars. Guess what ?Its a shopping centre now,a complete B - - - - - Eysore to what was there before.
If you look at Google earth you will see it is still possible to extend the railway north from Blackpool South on to the new development of the old Central Station site
Absolutely fascinating video to stumble across and watch. I live locally and always knew of the old central station but I never get bored of looking back at what it used to look like. It seems such a pity it went from such a grand station to what can only be described as a shoddy car park at best. So many missed opportunities over time to have made this site something for the town to be proud of but that’s another story. As a child in the 80s I remember walking along the Yeadon Way, which was one of the main routes into Central Station after the tracks had been lifted but before the current road was built. I wonder if you have or could find any footage of this part of the line? Excellent video, really enjoyed it.
One of the biggest mistakes that Blackpool council ever caused, shocking as doctor beeching never recommended Blackpool central to close but rather Blackpool north
Thanks mate
Stunning fades and research.
I must have used Blackpool Central when, as a kid , my grandmother would take me there for a weeks holiday.
Another great video Darren I actually walked this route in 1998 but your video is even more advanced. I think you and Martin Zero would do a great job in Scotland walking the old branch lines in the Highlands like Julia Bradbury did in her railway walks series. I think you two could do a better job. Sorry Julia😅
Haha thanks. I have done a few vids with Martin on my channel.
Brilliant vid once again and It was an absolute crime when they demolished the old Central station building. Its just lucky places like the old Odeon cinema with its art deco splendor survives as the Funny Girls theatre.
you didn't mention it but there was a WW2 air disaster in 1941 at Blackpool during an air display two RAF aircraft collided one came down in the concourse of Blackpool central station killing 12 people
Yeah I forgot to mention that
Great video again. Always look forward to watching and learning something about the past.
Another superb video; and one that warrants multiple viewings. The quality of the presentation and the care and attention you put into your work is very impressive. But it's those photo-fades that do it for me. The visual marrying of past and present is fascinating.
Fantastic video, and as always great editing. These videos really are a joy to watch. Thank you for taking the time
Thanks Sam. Two more to come
Brilliant that mate.
Those fades were amazing
Thank you! Cheers!
Really good job, Darren. I recall me and my pal going on a work's outing to Blackpool by coach. We missed the last coach back to Leeds (due to being distracted by two young ladies we had danced with in the Pavillion (ballroom) - what can I say? We were young lads! :-P We caught a train to Leeds the next morning and I thought it was from Central, but it must've been North station. This was back in, I think, 1978. Thanks for all your highly enjoyable presentations. 🙂
Huge mistake when Blackpool council opted to close Blackpool Central with the agreement of British Railways. They thought the land was perfect for a central car park. The station deposited holiday makers right in the heart of the town and transferring the main station to Bpl north was a bad move. I believe that Blackpool Central was the largest and busiest station to be marked for closure under the beeching axe in the 60s. Bad decision. Still felt to this day. Top footage again Darren. Love it !!
Thanks mate
I wonder what would have happened if Beeching’s proposals had been adopted, with the lines to Fleetwood and North closing and Central being retained. Would it still be there today, maybe in reduced form, or would the need for the car park and approach road have been too great, with Central also closing later, leaving the town with either no station at all, or just one half of South
IIRC I believe BR suggested North to close and keep central, but as is tradition the council opted for the smaller station. Something about connecting it to the motorway? I admit it's a good idea but we still lost a massive station. They should have made South station a bigger station in my opinion.
@@Black-1ce
South was a bigger station, it had four platforms, one pair on the existing line and the other on the now closed direct line from Kirkham. Both routes continued beyond South to Central.
Yep, I heard BR thought BPL north was the better candidate for closure. Blackpool council went for the option that cars were more popular at the time than railways. They also knew the land was more valuable where central station stood. Still an enormous mistake. The new entertainment centre and re development of the area will tidy up a shabby area and be good for Blackpool in the future.
How times have changed. This former station's title of the busiest in the world with less than twenty platforms was impressive enough. The current record holder however has fifty three. If you include the underground stations' platforms though, Shinjuku in Tokyo has two hundred platforms!
How smart people were...Pictures of my Dad he dressed like the people near the station back in the day.Ladies in pretty dress's hats coats.....JOGGERS TRAINERS HOODIES HORRIBLE..
Superb vd Darren. Love Blackpool, good town. Isnt it funny how they knocked the site down years ago, now they're rebuilding it again.
Yes but rebuilding with modern rubbish 😤
A SUPERB presentation.
I love history, especially 'local' history.
I wasn't born when they scrapped the Central Station, but I do remember walking under the bridges under Waterloo Road.
It just shows you how this once-great resort changed within half a lifetime.
Much of the old guest houses and hotels have gone since I was a kid on hols there.
Loads of old films of Blackpool online now, one from the 1960s ( Excursion) where it shows a coach pulling into the Pleasure Beach coach park.
There in the background is The Balmoral Hotel on the end of Balmoral Road. ( it was called that in 1971, not sure about early-mid 1960's).
Keep making these fabulous history vids!
Nothing remains and im from blackpool my grandad used to run a chippy on central drive ,which is over the road from old station it got shut ,and they left north station open .
You'd be surprised
@@AdventureMe 👍
The invention of the all included holiday killed every single British seaside town. Why go to Blackpool, Brighton, Penzance or Dover if you can go to Malaga, Barcelona or Porto for less money where your pound buys more, where the sun always shines and you can escape droopy old England for a while. All these cities had a grand past but that’s gone now and will never come back
It was the biggest station closed by the beeching cuts, the council promised a development of the land on doing so that never happened. As with many it was closed under false pretenses. Of course the forward thinking and planning council have thought about the future and might build over the whole sight just in time for public transport to make a comeback.
Remember parts of Central Station when I was a kid,also remember the big wheel that was shown in you're post,there was also a big pool with scaffolding seating that had dolphins there,must of been temporary.
I remember the dolphin pool, I think it was only there for one season. It would have been located where Coral Island now stands.
Looks like I missed this one, Darren. I certainly remember the old station building in its bingo days - and I've used that toilet block you mention on many occasions too, I'm sure! I'm not certain if I remember those old platform canopies standing or not - you know sometimes you see a photograph and it seems to jog your memory somehow - that. Likewise, I'm not certain I remember the Palatine Hotel - but I do remember Coral Island when it was new, and seeing it for the first time. I probably have and was too young to recognise what they'd previously been... Also, the old 'big' Marks & Spencer store in the background, shown as McDonald's, Bon Marche and more. With the modern-looking frontage upstairs. (There was another, smaller, old-fashioned branch in nearby Church Street, that didn't even have flourescent lighting - and a smaller version still, in Lord Street, Fleetwood!) It'll be interesting to see what's left when they've finished - in all likelihood there will still be some traces of the site's use in the days of our grandparents...
Hi Darren!! Another great video! So interesting to see how Blackpool used to be!! Interesting to see the railway, and all the old pictures edited into your video…all so cool to see!! Then and now.
I’m 35, and I’ve been going to Blackpool for years. I always remember the Coral Island arcade being there 😂🤣
Thank you
Martin
One thing not mentioned, Central station was the focus of Blackpool's worst incident during the Second World War. Blackpool was home base for a major flight training centre and a fighter squadron during the war. On 27 August 1941, two aircraft-a Blackburn Botha trainer and a Boulton Paul Defiant fighter-collided in midair over the sea, just off Blackpool's central seafront. The debris from the collision was strewn over a large area; a large part of it struck Central station, causing severe damage and killing twelve people.
Its great to see this with the before and after pics showing the old Woolworths building on the corner of the Prom and Bank Hey Street. In the 90s I remember it as Pricebusters ,the one stop shop for the soveniers ! The Building always reminded me of a 1930s bakelite radio!!! When i was last in Blackpool i dropped into Witherspoon's for a pint!!!!
I believe one of Dr Beechings recommendations was retaining Central Station and closing North Station, but Blackpool Council thought otherwise??? The King Edward apartments could possibly have be for the engine crews on lodging turns, many steam MPD had these close by?
Excellent informative video. I have been to Blackpool so many times. Love steam trains.
First time that I am aware of Blackpool Central. I Learnt so much by watching the video. Internet can be very useful at times 😊
Great insight. Absolutely sacrilegious, what they have done to Blackpool.
Superbly explained; phasing of old photographs is particularly effective. Thank you so much for this insight
What amazing videos about Blackpool Central and love the way you fade in / out with incredible precision the old with the present. So why on earth did Blackpool Council want to shut down shut such a major railway station, like Blackpool Central station, it makes no sense to me.
I'm sure we all know that the car became the newest fad of the late 1950s and early 1960s, but to sever the railway in favour of a car park just seems absolutely absurd.
Hello, I recently visited the site and met a builder who said they had uncovered a railway turntable and the foundations for terraced houses on the slip road (behind King Edward Cinema, pub and apartments)? … I have very poor eyesight so I can’t quite see on the drone shots before the car park was built.. I wonder whether the terraced houses were railway related.. The builder promised to send me a photograph of the turntable but he never did.😢
Cracking video as ever Darren. So much of the railway system eventually failed because of peoples obsession with cars. 😢
I remember the toilet block surviving until quite recently .
Council did this intentionally for the car parking revenue. If calculate by how many years, how many spaces, and what the daily fee is / was, it runs into millions and millions. Note also before the new car park was developed there was even car parking space available. Also add the spaces at South Stn......
Hi,
Are you sure it completely stopped in 1963? I didn't move there until 1964 and thought I caught trains which came to central station for a year or two.
Brilliant video, brought back many memories of when I was a child in the 50's arriving there by train, the merging of photos was fantastic! - great work, thanks.
The Beeching Report recommended closure of Blackpool North, and retention of Central, but the County Borough of Blackpool had other ideas. Even Blackpool North did not escape; the main station was demolished, and a new station opened on the eight excursion platforms. Two of those are now out of use.
It's crazy how they swapped beautiful buildings for total cheap aweful grot!
Omg brings back memories of the 50's holidays mother always liked south shore station as our digs were in Osbourne road but most times we arrived at central grandparents mom and dad uncle and aunt me and my brother always thought it was the other side of the world from Wolverhampton
Always very busy with taxi's in front of station
Thanks for great video
The one of the pleasure beach was great
One of Beechings first victims, in 1964. The anti rail town even wanted South pushed out of town in the 80s.
Very interesting!!! Never knew there was a central station!! Thank you for this video!!!
Enjoyed watching. The good bit is actual station areas that remain transformed into the old station pics. This makes it so easy to imagine, where and how it was. Maybe a bit of a chat about the railway company that made it, and its destinations would have been good to add. Thanks for making the vid.
Great video. I always wondered what it was like. My granddad owned a popular cafe opposite the station called Wells Cafe in the 60's and 70's. He used to say people arrived of the trains and queued up at the cafe door for fish and chips! If you can find any pictures of that it would be awesome!