Just watched the video you did of Derby Baths 2 yrs ago. You put a picture of the Baths up and, OMG what have they done!! Words fail me! What an absolutely stunning building! Whoever sanctioned the felling of such a beautiful building needs shooting! I hope nothing is built there and they use it as a park. Thanks, as always, for the vlog Stephen. ❤
People forget the north pier used have beautiful Victorian architecture, all replaced by a corrugated iron box. And as for the magnificent central rAilway station 😢
I went to the Derby baths in the seventies when on holiday in Blackpool as a teenager. The open air pool was there at the South pier,before that was demolished to make way for the "Sandcastle".
I pretty much lived in Derby baths during summer as a kid. Also did Judo there. Our school used the learner pool under the main pool. I can still hear that unique high pitched noise that echoed around the pool. Toast and Horlicks from the cafe after a swim. Great days, a scandal it was sold off, lots of rumours at the time about council back handers. And yes it was Springs. Keep these vids coming 👍
Interesting look around this area, Stephen. I Googled old photos of the baths and you can see the wall running around the outside. It was a magnificent building and such a shame it got demolished.
I remember the Derby Baths when I went on holiday in the 60’s. It was a lovely building and a shame it was demolished and couldn’t have been put to use.
Hi Stephen I never went either !! And congratulations on nearly 50,000 subscribers totally fully deserved you do wonderful videos most days and thanku for all the hard work you do 💯💯🤗
You can NEVER have too many car parks said Blackpool Clowncil 🎉 People come from around the world to view our car parks 😝😂🤣😂🤣😂🤣😂🤣😂🤣😂🤣😂🤣😂🤣😂🤣😂🤣😂🤣😂🤣😂🤣😂🤣😂🤣😂🤣😂🤣😂🤣😂🤣😂🤣😂🤣😂🤣😂🤣😂🤣
I think the land is too bumpy for a car park. Still got foundations of the the pool there. Lots of work to level that. Plus still have to walk or get a tram/bus into town. Get a hotel with parking or coach etc. X
@@jayoneill1533 It's very well known (if you live here) the reputation of Blackpool Council is to turn any land into another car park, and completely ignore the residents wishes.
My mum and dad met at Derby Baths on the sun patio. My dad was a high diver. The baths had an Olympic height top board. As kids we were there at least a couple of times a month.
Hi Stephen, a little bit late in the evening to write the full yard history of the two blocks of land that now encompass the hotel and the vacant Derby Baths. When I weren't nowt but a lad (1950ish) the hotel site was just a derelict site that we toerags took over as our piece of turf. Derby road, post-war was a shabby half-derelict street. Understandably I suppose given the year. The church you mention was the Congregational Church where I attended the youth club somewhat. But not to the degree that I attended Derby Baths. I took my sixpence entry fee along and spent hours upon hours there. You mention, Johnny Weissmuller, I never saw him personally, being somewhat young, but not so my elder brother who watched him perform there. I was far too young back then to appreciate the beauty of that magnificent Art Deco building and the scale of the whole place. But I do have to correct on one point, it was never an Olympic sized pool, it was only 50 yards long, as opposed to 50 meters, which I'm sure played a part in its demise.
Loved the Derby baths Stephen that’s were I learned to swim 🏊🏻♀️😁 Thanks for sharing this with us and take care until next time Pauline from Blackpool living in Canada 🍁
So sad, many, many wonderful memories of Derby Baths; I learned to swim there; always used to go there with my sister and cousins when we visited my Grandparents. Cousins lived in Blackpool, one still does. I can still smell the chlorine, might be a false memory as you said the baths were seawater; and taste the tomato soup we used to have after swimming. A taxi driver told me that he thought that the land couldn't be put to use, something about contamination from the baths when it was knocked down, not sure if that's true though. I also remember the hotel being built, I lived just round the corner at the time. Stayed there last November with my sister and attended 'The Army Chef's Annual Ball' xx fabulous time. Thanks for the memories Stephen. xxx
My dad used to take me to derby baths in the 80s and he used to dive from the high board. He was in his 40s and decided to try a really difficult diving somersault and managed to totally nail it - only problem was that no one saw it, which annoyed him to no end. I also remember the black hole waterslide at derby baths - it was pretty infamous amongst us younguns.
You're right - the space should be bought by the council and made into a park. Some green space is badly needed to improve the north of Blackpool. Buti don't think the council has the foresight to do that.
Totally agree that would make a great park, something that’s sorely needed close to the sea front. As you say, there are plenty of plants that can deal with salt water. Who owns the land? Is it the council? If so, are there any local environmental groups that could lobby for this to happen? It’s ridiculous that such a prominent piece of land should be unused and unloved for so many years!
I’m not certain, but I think the company who built the hotel bought all of that land, so presumably now owned by Britannia?? There’s also 2 parks within a minute or two of the hotel, Claremont and the one behind the Gynn pub. I’d like to see the hotel knocked down and rebuild the Baths! 😉
Hi Stephen thank you for another great video as always I googled the Derby baths looked quite a nice building shame it went really what a waste of land have a great evening xx
Thank you Stephen. Very interesting hearing about the history of the surrounding area. The remaining land is big enough for a sports and leisure complex that would bring money and investment into this area. Thank goodness the weather system has passed through. A sunny bright day at last. Take care of yourself.
I worked at the Grand on and off for years. Now at the Doric.. There are still bits of the baths that remain. A friend of mine learnt to swim cos his dad pushed him off the top diving board. Always wondered why this patch was empty. I never saw the baths. Moved here in 2001. Thanks for your interest in this area Stephen. You are higher here. Always look out for IOM. Seen it tons of times when working at the Grand.. Looks like 3 humps behind the wind things. Xx
Good Evening Steve. Hope you are alright. Lovely walk on the Wildside. Does make you wonder what the Council is going to do with that piece of Waste ground. The area could do with some general cleaning up and tidying. Cut the grass, replace the wooden fence. make the area more Presentable and worth visiting. There is room for Modernisation and Improvement of the buildings around the area. Come on Blackpool County Council get your Act together and your Thinking heads in to gear. You can do this, and make this place Shine again. Thank you Steve.
They could make that area into a skateboard/ BMX bike, etc park for the kids. They'd love it. Always see them on the comedy carpet with nowhere else to go.
Great video, liked that one! Although I’m a southerner, my grandmother lived in Pilling and my dads side are Lancastrians so I’ve got fond memories of spending my childhood in that neck of the woods.
Good evening George hope you've had a very happy birthday 🎉. We have torrential rain here,been like it since just after 9am,very cold too, but it hasn't stopped people setting fireworks off all around us. Had a good shopping day, got lots of Christmas gifts etc. Just need to get wrapping now. Take care have safe journey home tomorrow, bye for now😊
@@hazelmanship7516 Good evening Hazel i don't go home until Monday i had a great birthday thanks it rained most of the night here but I'm in my room now i hope everyone is OK at your end i went to see Biker but he hasn't been in the Townsman all week speak soon good night
@@georgesmellie8717Good morning George, better day today,bit cool but suns getting out, hope you're well,have a lovely day,take care, off to church soon.spk soon 😊
@@hazelmanship7516 Good morning Hazel it's dry here in Blackpool this morning just getting ready to go and get some gifts for neighbours who are looking after my house and parrot and also get a present for the owners of the B&B as its their 47 year wedding anniversary speak to you soon
Thank you for an interesting video Stephen agree completely the space would make a superb park and another attraction for the prom which lacks greenery.😊😊😊
Hi Stephen. I went many times. Yes I know, I must be very old. Anyway, that roof you describe, in my memory was where the side entrance was. So it was the paved entrance. Also, I NEVER used a promenade entrance, didn't even know there was one. The only entrance I knew was the dude entrance.
That land should be turned into a park. Middle Walk should be used for more events inc car booth sales, farmers markets etc and closed off at night. Another interesting video Steve xxx
They should have never been knocked down, what a beautiful building it was. And they really should have something done with that land for the people that live around there, I see that being difficult if it's private property
A park would be a great idea. There is a park behind the Gynn along with the Dog Park but it’s mainly locals who use it as visitors mostly tend to stay on the Prom.
Great video thanks.I was told that there are some rides for winter wonderland next to the comedy carpet opposite the tower .any chance of getting a video from there please.Thank you ❤🏴
Many happy memories of the Derby baths, Every morning walking with my dad from Lord St for the daily swim whilst on holiday. They used to sell little sachets of Vosene shampoo for 5p for the shower after your swim. Johnny Weissmuller is correct Stephen. Who destroys an irreplaceable art deco iconic building to create a cow field, apart from a Luftwaffe pilot? Oh wait, a bloke from the council on a massive bonus
Hello stephen i hope you are well, the plot of land where the flats are being built was a church, I think they bulldozed it roundabout mid 2018 - we used to stay at the ellan vanin on gynn avenue when sue and martin ran it and im pretty sure when we went in august 2019 the church was gone, because that was the last time we were in blackpool pre - covid.
I remember being told by a tram conductor in 1990 that the place was under threat, and that there was a battle between what was then the Stakis and the Splashland Flume tubes that had been put in the baths around 1983 to buy it. I remember hearing a few years back, when the hotel was the Hilton, that they'd seeked planning permission to build a Hampton low cost hotel there, so I'm guessing that the hotel had been succesful in buying the land. Of course, eventually, they built a Hampton on South Shore.
Used to go in the Derby Baths in the 1960s. With a slim arm I could get Horlicks tablets from the machine without paying….times when loads of kids would be outside wandering around until it was dark..a rare sight to see kids walking around outside and playing in the streets..very little obesity then too
Ask the person who maintains the outside grounds who pays their wages & that will tell you who owns it Remember the Derby baths when I was a kid.Not 100% sure but there is a video of Johnny Weismuller(spelling) of when he visited Blackpool Great video as per usual Stephen....
I remember that, in 2000, my Father In law had gone to the old church, but when we came back on holiday in 2003, it had closed and the building had remained unused for years. Good to see it being built on now.
I once saw two rats running across the prom , right there towards the Darby Baths, coming from the middle walk, thought they were cats the size of them !!
To the best of my knowledge the Warley Road entrance was the main entrance - certainly in my lifetime. The complex also had a gym and squash courts on the top floor.
Do you remember the sunken gardens along the promenade in South Shore and the open air baths near south pier, it was a special place, fancy knocking it down to build that box.
Alot of public baths were donated to the people of the town/city etc. this usually means that the council can't sell the land as it does not actually belong to them because it was gifted to the people and usually will have a state of use ie as a public baths.
It’s crazy how memory works! Just been looking at photos of the baths, and I would have bet my house on there not being a promenade entrance! 😂 My mum swam at the baths with Johnny Weissmuller at a school gala back in his heyday (one for the oldies).
Me and Maxine took a closer look at that site part of the old Darby Baths is still visible i believe, knowing councils they will make it into carpark but it would be more use as a play park
My Dad took me to Derby Baths when I was a young kid back in the early’70’s. It was a massive pool and seem to remember it was saltwater? There was a huge multi level diving board at the deep end too. Today the area surely lends itself to some regeneration?
I think the reason nothing as been built there is because there will be underground tunnels there for the old baths and there is probably an inlet and outlet pipes on lower prom which fed the pool with sea water so there is more than likely a few tunnels so maintenance could use
Seems to be a trend that any old building be left empty for a few years, knocked down once any public affection has waned then for the grounds to remain empty, overgrow or throw turf down for then, out of the blue a new developer gets there hands on it to throw up a new hotel. Land bought cheap, hotel built cheap, charge prime location prices for the privilege of staying there or have private apartments built to which the new owners pay an exorbitant annual fee for the so called "maintenance" of the grounds. Such a shame there is no pride or passion, or more often than not, not enough money to modernise some of the old buildings and give them a new lease of life.
Hahaha you made me laugh with you saying you bet Tarzan jumped of diving board ... bet Jonny thingy was scared of heights 😂😂😂 my dad said he’d be swinging on a rope 3 inch of floor 😂
John Lennon never lived in Blackpool. But there was a very sad occasion when he was a little boy, when his father turned up out of the blue after years away, and took the child to Blackpool and tried to make him choose between him and his mother.
I don't think there is anything wrong with the site. When the baths were demolished, however, I believe a clause was put in place not to build anything there for a certain time.
Went a few times. First couple with my Mum, then a few more with friends. The change rooms used to be dark wooden cubicles and they gave you a metal hanger that then had two poles that dropped down to house a rack (for your shoes). You handed it over and they gave you a tag (a meta disc I think - maybe with a wrist string). The times with Mum I am sure we would have thrown the discs to her but on our own, cannot remember what we did with them. On the way to the main pool you had to walk through a wading pool with chemicals to stop Athletes Foot. The Life guards would stop you if you had floaties on and got too deep (seems normal) but at the time I was not pleased. Whilst my Dad apparently made dives off the top platform I only ever made it to the springboard (2m or 3m) and it wasn't really a dive that I did. There were two more levels - the lower platform and then the top. No idea what height but guessing 5m and then maybe 8-10m. I heard a rumour there was a sign on the ladder to the top platform that once you climb, you cannot come back down. Only way is to dive or jump. And there was no hiding. Once up there the life guards would blow the whistle to make sure the water below was clear for the diver.
Such a shame that it is just a wasteland now. I agree a park would be the best use of the land. They could have a swingpark for children and make it look nice with flowerbeds etc 😊
I went to the Darby baths after a night at Mecca ...remember it opening about 7am for slipper baths (or could that be Wigan) grey matters going to mush
If the Owners of the Sandcastle built a Sandcastle 2 it would be ideal for North Shore residents .Should be a proper swimming Pool and spa Baths though.
A few houses up from Claremont park (towards the sea). Extended members of the family lived there in the late 1990s, and there were photos of Charlie in the hallway.
I just Googled The Derby Baths Blackpool, it didn't look anything like how I imagined it in my head? I imagined it was an old Victorian style building lol Front entrance and side entrance and yes it looks like it had a small railing round it? Kinda disappointed it was demolished and not restored.......... BUT the councils either let places rot or just demolish it and leave it empty 🫤
If, as appears to be the case, the site is owned bythe hotel, they'll not be wanting to sell it in order to ensure nobody builds a rival hotel, or something out of character with the areas, such as a supermarket. Any development, such as a park, would therefore need to be done by them, which is probably unlikely.
Just watched the video you did of Derby Baths 2 yrs ago. You put a picture of the Baths up and, OMG what have they done!! Words fail me! What an absolutely stunning building! Whoever sanctioned the felling of such a beautiful building needs shooting! I hope nothing is built there and they use it as a park. Thanks, as always, for the vlog Stephen. ❤
What a good idea to use it as a Park!
People forget the north pier used have beautiful Victorian architecture, all replaced by a corrugated iron box. And as for the magnificent central rAilway station 😢
And North station and the Palace Theatre next to the Tower
Splash land
I went to the Derby baths in the seventies when on holiday in Blackpool as a teenager. The open air pool was there at the South pier,before that was demolished to make way for the "Sandcastle".
I pretty much lived in Derby baths during summer as a kid. Also did Judo there. Our school used the learner pool under the main pool.
I can still hear that unique high pitched noise that echoed around the pool. Toast and Horlicks from the cafe after a swim. Great days, a scandal it was sold off, lots of rumours at the time about council back handers.
And yes it was Springs.
Keep these vids coming 👍
Interesting look around this area, Stephen. I Googled old photos of the baths and you can see the wall running around the outside. It was a magnificent building and such a shame it got demolished.
I remember the Derby Baths when I went on holiday in the 60’s. It was a lovely building and a shame it was demolished and couldn’t have been put to use.
It could have been used as apartments. At least the building itself would still exist! All these lovely buildings are disappearing I'm afraid!!
Hi Stephen I never went either !! And congratulations on nearly 50,000 subscribers totally fully deserved you do wonderful videos most days and thanku for all the hard work you do 💯💯🤗
Thanks Andy
Don't give the Clowncil any ideas... they'd turn it into another car park if they could.
Clowncil ! Great line.
You can NEVER have too many car parks said Blackpool Clowncil 🎉 People come from around the world to view our car parks 😝😂🤣😂🤣😂🤣😂🤣😂🤣😂🤣😂🤣😂🤣😂🤣😂🤣😂🤣😂🤣😂🤣😂🤣😂🤣😂🤣😂🤣😂🤣😂🤣😂🤣😂🤣😂🤣😂🤣😂🤣
I think the land is too bumpy for a car park. Still got foundations of the the pool there. Lots of work to level that. Plus still have to walk or get a tram/bus into town. Get a hotel with parking or coach etc. X
@@jayoneill1533 It's very well known (if you live here) the reputation of Blackpool Council is to turn any land into another car park, and completely ignore the residents wishes.
They can't do anything with the land, its an histori site.
Me and my mates use to go to Derby Baths every year visiting Blackpool
in the early sixty’s, it was super enjoyment. I’m 82. Great memories.
My mum and dad met at Derby Baths on the sun patio. My dad was a high diver. The baths had an Olympic height top board. As kids we were there at least a couple of times a month.
Hi Stephen, a little bit late in the evening to write the full yard history of the two blocks of land that now encompass the hotel and the vacant Derby Baths. When I weren't nowt but a lad (1950ish) the hotel site was just a derelict site that we toerags took over as our piece of turf.
Derby road, post-war was a shabby half-derelict street. Understandably I suppose given the year.
The church you mention was the Congregational Church where I attended the youth club somewhat. But not to the degree that I attended Derby Baths. I took my sixpence entry fee along and spent hours upon hours there. You mention, Johnny Weissmuller, I never saw him personally, being somewhat young, but not so my elder brother who watched him perform there.
I was far too young back then to appreciate the beauty of that magnificent Art Deco building and the scale of the whole place. But I do have to correct on one point, it was never an Olympic sized pool, it was only 50 yards long, as opposed to 50 meters, which I'm sure played a part in its demise.
Thanks for the info.
Loved the Derby baths Stephen that’s were I learned to swim 🏊🏻♀️😁 Thanks for sharing this with us and take care until next time Pauline from Blackpool living in Canada 🍁
Worked there for a few years on the slides before it closed, splashland , great job , great days.
So sad, many, many wonderful memories of Derby Baths; I learned to swim there; always used to go there with my sister and cousins when we visited my Grandparents. Cousins lived in Blackpool, one still does. I can still smell the chlorine, might be a false memory as you said the baths were seawater; and taste the tomato soup we used to have after swimming. A taxi driver told me that he thought that the land couldn't be put to use, something about contamination from the baths when it was knocked down, not sure if that's true though. I also remember the hotel being built, I lived just round the corner at the time. Stayed there last November with my sister and attended 'The Army Chef's Annual Ball' xx fabulous time. Thanks for the memories Stephen. xxx
Thanks for the story.
My dad used to take me to derby baths in the 80s and he used to dive from the high board. He was in his 40s and decided to try a really difficult diving somersault and managed to totally nail it - only problem was that no one saw it, which annoyed him to no end. I also remember the black hole waterslide at derby baths - it was pretty infamous amongst us younguns.
You're right - the space should be bought by the council and made into a park. Some green space is badly needed to improve the north of Blackpool. Buti don't think the council has the foresight to do that.
I went swimming a few times in the 70s
Totally agree that would make a great park, something that’s sorely needed close to the sea front. As you say, there are plenty of plants that can deal with salt water. Who owns the land? Is it the council? If so, are there any local environmental groups that could lobby for this to happen? It’s ridiculous that such a prominent piece of land should be unused and unloved for so many years!
I’m not certain, but I think the company who built the hotel bought all of that land, so presumably now owned by Britannia??
There’s also 2 parks within a minute or two of the hotel, Claremont and the one behind the Gynn pub.
I’d like to see the hotel knocked down and rebuild the Baths! 😉
@@johncartmell1129 Thanks for the clarification.
Hi Stephen thank you for another great video as always I googled the Derby baths looked quite a nice building shame it went really what a waste of land have a great evening xx
Thank you Stephen. Very interesting hearing about the history of the surrounding area. The remaining land is big enough for a sports and leisure complex that would bring money and investment into this area. Thank goodness the weather system has passed through. A sunny bright day at last. Take care of yourself.
I worked at the Grand on and off for years. Now at the Doric.. There are still bits of the baths that remain. A friend of mine learnt to swim cos his dad pushed him off the top diving board. Always wondered why this patch was empty. I never saw the baths. Moved here in 2001. Thanks for your interest in this area Stephen. You are higher here. Always look out for IOM. Seen it tons of times when working at the Grand.. Looks like 3 humps behind the wind things. Xx
Yeah, Johnny Weismuiller was Tarzan.
I swam at Derby baths once, in the summer of 1976, and it was very busy!
Good Evening Steve. Hope you are alright. Lovely walk on the Wildside. Does make you wonder what the Council is going to do with that piece of Waste ground. The area could do with some general cleaning up and tidying. Cut the grass, replace the wooden fence. make the area more Presentable and worth visiting. There is room for Modernisation and Improvement of the buildings around the area. Come on Blackpool County Council get your Act together and your Thinking heads in to gear. You can do this, and make this place Shine again. Thank you Steve.
They could make that area into a skateboard/ BMX bike, etc park for the kids. They'd love it. Always see them on the comedy carpet with nowhere else to go.
When I was younger there was a park on there, we used to climb up the hill and roll down them and take a picnic with us. Maybe around 2000-2003?
Thanks Stephen great look at whats going on around Blackpool.looked a good day too. Thanks for sharing take care bye 😊
Thanks Hazel 👍
How about a video on haunted Blackpool? Violet Carson’s graveyard may be a good starting point. Woooooooio
Been meaning to do something like that for a while.
remembers derby baths ,i was in there in the late 50s
Great video, liked that one! Although I’m a southerner, my grandmother lived in Pilling and my dads side are Lancastrians so I’ve got fond memories of spending my childhood in that neck of the woods.
Good to see some Greenery in Blackpool 🌲 nice seeing nice new building aswell. Cheers bud.
Just looked on Google, what a shame they were pulled down, thanks for the video.
Thanks again for another informative vlog Stephen I'm in a very wet Blackpool at the moment i hope you are well
Good evening George hope you've had a very happy birthday 🎉. We have torrential rain here,been like it since just after 9am,very cold too, but it hasn't stopped people setting fireworks off all around us. Had a good shopping day, got lots of Christmas gifts etc. Just need to get wrapping now. Take care have safe journey home tomorrow, bye for now😊
@@hazelmanship7516 Good evening Hazel i don't go home until Monday i had a great birthday thanks it rained most of the night here but I'm in my room now i hope everyone is OK at your end i went to see Biker but he hasn't been in the Townsman all week speak soon good night
@@georgesmellie8717Good morning George, better day today,bit cool but suns getting out, hope you're well,have a lovely day,take care, off to church soon.spk soon 😊
@@hazelmanship7516 Good morning Hazel it's dry here in Blackpool this morning just getting ready to go and get some gifts for neighbours who are looking after my house and parrot and also get a present for the owners of the B&B as its their 47 year wedding anniversary speak to you soon
I@@hazelmanship7516
thanks Stephen for another great video 🗼
Thank you for an interesting video Stephen agree completely the space would make a superb park and another attraction for the prom which lacks greenery.😊😊😊
Totally agree Jan
I used to go to the Derby in the early 70’s it was 19 foot deep at the deep end, really high diving boards
Very interesting Stephen great to watch thanks
Great vid n information Stephen, thankyou.
My School used it a lot in the 70's.
My sisters and I use to go when we went on holiday been there about 4 times years a go
Hi Stephen.
I went many times. Yes I know, I must be very old. Anyway, that roof you describe, in my memory was where the side entrance was. So it was the paved entrance. Also, I NEVER used a promenade entrance, didn't even know there was one. The only entrance I knew was the dude entrance.
That land should be turned into a park. Middle Walk should be used for more events inc car booth sales, farmers markets etc and closed off at night. Another interesting video Steve xxx
Good idea Breda.
They should have never been knocked down, what a beautiful building it was.
And they really should have something done with that land for the people that live around there, I see that being difficult if it's private property
Great Video They Should Build A Park There Steve Or Plant Trees😊 Have A Great Night
A park would be a great idea. There is a park behind the Gynn along with the Dog Park but it’s mainly locals who use it as visitors mostly tend to stay on the Prom.
We used to stay opposite the baths on derby road best times ever.shame how Blackpool is now.
Its great for taking the dogs on where the old baths used to be, as well i do some FPV on there as well, good video
Thanks.
Derby supper bar was one of the best for fish and chips
Thank you for another interesting vlog Steven brill❤xx
Great video thanks.I was told that there are some rides for winter wonderland next to the comedy carpet opposite the tower .any chance of getting a video from there please.Thank you ❤🏴
Many happy memories of the Derby baths, Every morning walking with my dad from Lord St for the daily swim whilst on holiday. They used to sell little sachets of Vosene shampoo for 5p for the shower after your swim. Johnny Weissmuller is correct Stephen. Who destroys an irreplaceable art deco iconic building to create a cow field, apart from a Luftwaffe pilot? Oh wait, a bloke from the council on a massive bonus
Nice 👍 One Mate 😷 Peace ✌️ be With You
The grand hotel had a disco and a dance floor used to come out and cover the swimming pool
Hello stephen i hope you are well, the plot of land where the flats are being built was a church, I think they bulldozed it roundabout mid 2018 - we used to stay at the ellan vanin on gynn avenue when sue and martin ran it and im pretty sure when we went in august 2019 the church was gone, because that was the last time we were in blackpool pre - covid.
THE DERBY BATHS SPACE WOULD MAKE A FABULOUS BMX AND SKATEBOARD PARK STEPHEN FROM DAVID IN CROMER 🛹🛹🛹🛹🛹🛹🛹🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
I used to go swimming there as a child with a friend Linda.
Linda hates you to this day.
A lot of land where Derby Baths was very sad it’s all gone.
I remember being told by a tram conductor in 1990 that the place was under threat, and that there was a battle between what was then the Stakis and the Splashland Flume tubes that had been put in the baths around 1983 to buy it.
I remember hearing a few years back, when the hotel was the Hilton, that they'd seeked planning permission to build a Hampton low cost hotel there, so I'm guessing that the hotel had been succesful in buying the land. Of course, eventually, they built a Hampton on South Shore.
Here, here certainly dilapidated the old Derby baths Stephen.
Used to go in the Derby Baths in the 1960s. With a slim arm I could get Horlicks tablets from the machine without paying….times when loads of kids would be outside wandering around until it was dark..a rare sight to see kids walking around outside and playing in the streets..very little obesity then too
Ask the person who maintains the outside grounds who pays their wages & that will tell you who owns it
Remember the Derby baths when I was a kid.Not 100% sure but there is a video of Johnny Weismuller(spelling) of when he visited Blackpool
Great video as per usual Stephen....
I remember that, in 2000, my Father In law had gone to the old church, but when we came back on holiday in 2003, it had closed and the building had remained unused for years. Good to see it being built on now.
Hi Stephen should turn it into a public park picnic area etc
I once saw two rats running across the prom , right there towards the Darby Baths, coming from the middle walk, thought they were cats the size of them !!
To the best of my knowledge the Warley Road entrance was the main entrance - certainly in my lifetime. The complex also had a gym and squash courts on the top floor.
Thanks for the info.
Do you remember the sunken gardens along the promenade in South Shore and the open air baths near south pier, it was a special place, fancy knocking it down to build that box.
Yes I remember the sunken gardens, but they were not so much green & mostly paving.
Alot of public baths were donated to the people of the town/city etc. this usually means that the council can't sell the land as it does not actually belong to them because it was gifted to the people and usually will have a state of use ie as a public baths.
Maybe that’s what it was.
It’s crazy how memory works! Just been looking at photos of the baths, and I would have bet my house on there not being a promenade entrance! 😂
My mum swam at the baths with Johnny Weissmuller at a school gala back in his heyday (one for the oldies).
Wow, that's very interesting, Steve
Me and Maxine took a closer look at that site part of the old Darby Baths is still visible i believe, knowing councils they will make it into carpark but it would be more use as a play park
I noticed several schools holding their sports days on the site earlier this year.
Interesting.
My Dad took me to Derby Baths when I was a young kid back in the early’70’s. It was a massive pool and seem to remember it was saltwater? There was a huge multi level diving board at the deep end too. Today the area surely lends itself to some regeneration?
I think the reason nothing as been built there is because there will be underground tunnels there for the old baths and there is probably an inlet and outlet pipes on lower prom which fed the pool with sea water so there is more than likely a few tunnels so maintenance could use
I went to the Derby baths I was about 7 years old
Seems to be a trend that any old building be left empty for a few years, knocked down once any public affection has waned then for the grounds to remain empty, overgrow or throw turf down for then, out of the blue a new developer gets there hands on it to throw up a new hotel. Land bought cheap, hotel built cheap, charge prime location prices for the privilege of staying there or have private apartments built to which the new owners pay an exorbitant annual fee for the so called "maintenance" of the grounds. Such a shame there is no pride or passion, or more often than not, not enough money to modernise some of the old buildings and give them a new lease of life.
Thanks Rik.
Hahaha you made me laugh with you saying you bet Tarzan jumped of diving board ... bet Jonny thingy was scared of heights 😂😂😂 my dad said he’d be swinging on a rope 3 inch of floor 😂
Thought you done a Leroy and disappeared
The Ambassador hotel is in the coronation street episode where alan Bradley gets knock down by the tram
John Lennon never lived in Blackpool. But there was a very sad occasion when he was a little boy, when his father turned up out of the blue after years away, and took the child to Blackpool and tried to make him choose between him and his mother.
Someone told me he lived briefly at a house on Ivy Avenue, near the airport.
I stayed in the Pembroke Hotel in 1985.
There was a nightclub in the bottom as well but I can't remember what it was called.
I knew it as Springs, but it may have had a different name earlier.
It's seems strange that a prime site properly worth millions is left undeveloped unless there is an issue with it.
I don't think there is anything wrong with the site. When the baths were demolished, however, I believe a clause was put in place not to build anything there for a certain time.
Sorry I meant to say nice filming tonight Stephen
It's a shame they demolished that building 😢 it is prime land with it being on the prom but I can't see them doing anything with it now to be fair 😊
Thank you very much for your interesting history from Blackpool. Doesn’t bother me I can’t swim ether. 👍🥰❤️❤️❤️
Glad you enjoyed it Mildred
On the wakes holidays I went in every day. Who remembers coming out half blind with the Chlorine ,also hands and feet looking like rag puddings 😂
Went a few times. First couple with my Mum, then a few more with friends. The change rooms used to be dark wooden cubicles and they gave you a metal hanger that then had two poles that dropped down to house a rack (for your shoes). You handed it over and they gave you a tag (a meta disc I think - maybe with a wrist string). The times with Mum I am sure we would have thrown the discs to her but on our own, cannot remember what we did with them. On the way to the main pool you had to walk through a wading pool with chemicals to stop Athletes Foot. The Life guards would stop you if you had floaties on and got too deep (seems normal) but at the time I was not pleased. Whilst my Dad apparently made dives off the top platform I only ever made it to the springboard (2m or 3m) and it wasn't really a dive that I did. There were two more levels - the lower platform and then the top. No idea what height but guessing 5m and then maybe 8-10m. I heard a rumour there was a sign on the ladder to the top platform that once you climb, you cannot come back down. Only way is to dive or jump. And there was no hiding. Once up there the life guards would blow the whistle to make sure the water below was clear for the diver.
Thanks for the interesting story.
The hotel was originally called the pembroke as it was built on pembroke gardens
Such a shame that it is just a wasteland now. I agree a park would be the best use of the land. They could have a swingpark for children and make it look nice with flowerbeds etc 😊
They could at least do something with it Sheila. It seems like a waste of good land.
Yes the wall was there
Hi Stephen
Its a great design the grand , all sea view rooms, very clever ,
I went to the Darby baths after a night at Mecca ...remember it opening about 7am for slipper baths (or could that be Wigan) grey matters going to mush
I always wanted to see up behind that plot of land it was very interesting didn’t know it was err!! Not the part of Blackpool till the next one 😊
Ooops The best part of Blackpool 😊
If the Owners of the Sandcastle built a Sandcastle 2 it would be ideal for North Shore residents .Should be a proper swimming Pool and spa Baths though.
On the Derby Baths Site.
charlie carioli lived somewhere on Warley Road- not sure which house though
A few houses up from Claremont park (towards the sea). Extended members of the family lived there in the late 1990s, and there were photos of Charlie in the hallway.
I'm surprised it hasn't been claimed by a supermarket
Best left rather than make the wrong decision/s . See what's needed after the new build in the centre x.
I just Googled The Derby Baths Blackpool, it didn't look anything like how I imagined it in my head? I imagined it was an old Victorian style building lol
Front entrance and side entrance and yes it looks like it had a small railing round it?
Kinda disappointed it was demolished and not restored.......... BUT the councils either let places rot or just demolish it and leave it empty 🫤
Thats a nice bit of land for your mates the beer 🍺 monsters to sit!!
I found that area to be very hostile at Night when I lived on Gynn Avenue
There has been a lot of trouble around there in recent years. Murders & suspicious deaths too.
They shouldn’t have taken the derby baths down not a patch on the sandcastle pool poor replacement swam a lot at derby pool salt water pool 😂
Yes Johnny wiessmuller was Tarzan
If, as appears to be the case, the site is owned bythe hotel, they'll not be wanting to sell it in order to ensure nobody builds a rival hotel, or something out of character with the areas, such as a supermarket. Any development, such as a park, would therefore need to be done by them, which is probably unlikely.