Frontierland Morecambe: How The West Was Lost

[Gary]

Originally earmarked as a stand alone article for themagiceye, this work in progress - that intersperses media news with personal memories- aims to explore the reasons that sadly paved the way for the demise and eventual closure of Frontierland in Morecambe and reflects upon the uncertainty that has surrounded the site ever since.

Frontierland Morecambe: How The West Was Lost Part 1


Image: S.A.S. Baynham
http://rollercoastermedialibrary.com/

I can remember what it was like in the 60s..

Embarrassed my son in the 80s on the kiddy mine train...

Watched Morcambe fade to a ghost town...

What happened?

Carol Oakes


Image: http://www.morecambe.co.uk

The following text is taken from The Visitor.co.uk, first published 23rd August 2007 at
http://www.thevisitor.co.uk/news/moreca ... _1_1207436

Thanks to The Morecambe Local History Research Group

“The site of Frontierland was once used as a cattle field to rest livestock on its way by boat from Ireland and on to various parts of England.

The land was later a Territorials' gun park and firing range, until a wayward gunner managed to put a hole in a passing passenger ferry.

But its longest continuous use was, of course, as a fun park.

The Figure Eight park there entertained holidaymakers and locals alike for decades.

But in the 1940s it entered a new phase when Leonard Thompson, of Blackpool, added the park to his enterprise…

…By 1970 the Morecambe Pleasure Park, as it had become known, boasted 25 major rides and 10 for smaller children.

In May 1979 plans were approved for a £750,000 monorail to take people from the back of the park across to the prom on 16ft stanchions.

This never materialised.

In 1980 the park embarked on a course that was to take it into conflict with the local city council.

The Fun City indoor amusement hall had replaced the Diamond Horseshoe bingo centre at the park that year, but it was the arrival of the huge 150ft high Ferris wheel that was to start the controversy.

It carried 240 people at a time and could be seen from the M6 motorway but, though it opened to a blaze of local publicity it did not meet with everyone's approval.

One or two residents on nearby roads complained that the unique vantage point offered atop the ride impinged on their privacy – 'they can see into my window' was typical of the comments..

Council planners noted the park had not sought planning permission to erect the wheel – the park owner Geoffrey Thompson said they did not need planning permission as it was a moveable structure on their own land.

"It's a fixed structure, you need permission!" said the planners.

"No! It's moveable," said Mr Thompson and, after another couple of years of wrangling, he proved it by moving it to North Carolina.


Image Dave Andrew
http://www.frontierland-remembered.co.uk/index.htm

There was more argument when the park wanted to launch a Log Flume, to protests from Highfield Terrace.

Work was started, again without planning permission, and there was another bit of to-ing and fro-ing before it opened in 1982. At the official opening Lancaster's Mayor Councillor Geoff Bryan took a ride.

In 1986, in a bid to revamp the declining fairground, a new frontage was planned and in a £150,000 facelift the place was to jump on the 'theme park' bandwagon and re-launch as 'Frontierland'.

In 1987 TV celebrity Jeremy Beadle joined park manager Jim 'JR' Rowland on a promotional stagecoach ride to open the new-look park at high noon on June 4.

Later that year a massive fire was to claim the Fun City building, though it was later reborn as the Crazy Horse Saloon opened by Grand National legend Red Rum in September 1988.

In 1989 the Sky Ride chairlift was opened by tennis star Annabel Croft, taking passengers in two-person chairs along a ropeway that stretched out of the park and over Marine Road to a tower on the promenade and back.


Image Dave Andrew
http://www.frontierland-remembered.co.uk/index.htm

The Cyclone had been renamed The Texas Tornado.

There was a brief flurry of success for the park before its owners started considering its future, as they poured more and more investment into their Pleasureland venture at Southport.

An application was submitted – but rejected by Lancaster City Council in 1994 – to establish a new retail park on the site.

Another feature from Blackpool – a 170ft tower with a revolving and elevating platform – was brought to Morecambe and launched in 1995 with sponsorship from mint manufacturers 'Polo'.

From the text above it is interesting to note that, although declined, a planning application was submitted in 1994 for retail development on the Frontierland site.

This is the same year that The Big One Roller Coaster was built and reportedly came in over budget at Blackpool Pleasure Beach - also owned by the Thompson Family.

My main memory is of my only go on the log flume with a friend in about '92.

I remember very clearly feeling a sense of awkwardness while floating by folks' living room windows while seated in the log.

I could clearly see what they were watching on TV, and obviously they could see me sailing past in my fibreglass 'galleon' like some bargain basket pirate! [RED FACE]

S. A. S. Baynham


Image Dave Andrew
http://www.frontierland-remembered.co.uk/index.htm


Image: http://www.morecambe.co.uk

The following text is taken from The Lancashire Evening Telegraph, first published Thursday 15th Aug 1996

A VITAL set of clues about the arsonist who branded himself the 'Firefox' after a spate of fires at Morecambe's Frontierland have been issued by the police.

Lancaster Police are hunting a slim, white male, aged between 18 and 19, who had light brown hair. He was wearing a navy blue tracksuit with red or orange striped sleeves.

The description was issued after the first attack on one of the oldest roller coasters in the world - the Texas Tornado. A bonfire was lit under the wooden structure causing about £300's worth of damage at about 10.40pm on August 4.

Shortly after firefighters put the blaze out the Citizen learned that a telephone threat had been issued warning police the firebug would strike again.

Another call threatening more attacks was issued on Monday and on Tuesday morning part of the cable car SkyRide which runs across the prom was also set alight.

Other minor fires at businesses in the resort such as Broombys and Hitchen's as well as small fires at skips in the Arndale Centre are also believed to be linked to the 'firefox'.

So far there have been no more attacks on the theme park but Frontierland have set up extra patrols around the park as well as running daily checks on their rides.

DS Grant Thompson, who is heading the investigation, said: "So far there have been no further developments but this description could help find the person who is responsible for the fires."


Image: http://www.morecambe.co.uk

"Back in 1982, I was a volunteer driver for Liverpool Community Transport, having passed my PSV test, but still employed in a clerical capacity by Merseyside Transport.

The vehicle I usually drove was a 42-seat Leyland Leopard (PJX 34) that started life with Halifax Corporation. (Co-incidentally, PJX 35 is now a resident of Dewsbury Bus Museum).

I was given a job taking a group of “deprived” youngsters from Liverpool City Centre to Blackpool for a day trip.

The youngsters were probably better described as “depraved”, but during the journey they made a request that was to impact upon me for years to come.

They pointed out that the Blackpool Pleasure Beach charged “per ride”, whilst Morecambe Pleasure Park gave you a wristband with which you could ride all day – a far more economic proposition, and one that was, at the time, unique.

So we diverted to Morecambe.

I was impressed.

There was a log-flume, a wooden roller-coaster (the “Texas Tornado” dating from 1937), a chairlift that took you out over the promenade and back, a miniature train, Noah’s Ark, dodgems, “Wild Mouse” and many others.

From that year on, I took the St James’ Junior Club there by coach every summer as well as organising days out with my mates or girlfriends of the time."

"The park's wristband was simply a loop of string placed over the wrist with a sticky-back label folded over to hold it in place. It was impossible to remove without damaging it.

Simple, but effective."


Image: Wristband: Tony Salmon 1987
http://www.bluecoatboy.co.uk/#/frontierland/4535203219

"..By 1990 I had left Liverpool and had children of my own. We continued visiting Morecambe every year until 1995, when we rode on the newly-installed Polo Tower.

Imagine my shock to discover that Frontierland was no more. But what was more shocking was the story of its demise, along with the funfair at Southport, which held many happy memories from my childhood days.."

Tony Salmon: http://www.bluecoatboy.co.uk/#/frontierland/4535203219



Image: http://www.morecambe.co.uk

The early nineties hadn’t been particularly kind to Morecambe’s tourist industry.

The Central Pier had survived being struck by fire in 1933 but was finally demolished in 1992.

In 1994 "The World of Crinkley Bottom" attraction in Happy Mount Park closed only 13 weeks after opening and the ensuing "Blobbygate" scandal led to a legal battle between Lancaster City Council and TV star Noel Edmonds.

The following text is taken from The Lancashire Evening Telegraph, first published Thursday 28th May 1998.

MORECAMBE could lose Frontierland if the City Council fails to put its 'tourism' cards on the table claims holiday supremo Geoffrey Thompson.

The theme park boss says the future of the resort's main attraction hangs in the balance while uncertainty surrounds the Bubbles leisure complex and the future of Morecambe tourism in general. But in a robust defence of the council's record, Cllr Jean Yates played a trump card and exclusively revealed that three major companies were now looking to invest in the resort.

This week the Pleasure Beach boss told the Citizen: "I want to know if Bubbles (Open Air Pool) will be open or not because things like this have a strong influence on any future investment decisions for this company..

..I have written to the chief executive over the last two years and have not been given any guarantees. All I get is nebulous replies. This council is not showing a lot of faith. They have practically shut down the tourism department and appear to want to close Bubbles...

..They have never publicly said what they see is the future for Morecambe..

..It's very sad. They need to make some positive public statements. If they don't, it will make things very difficult...

It would be a total nonsense for a hotelier or businessman to be asked to invest at the moment when the future is so uncertain.

Our company makes all its executives decisions by August so if we have heard nothing positive by the end of July we will decide accordingly," and he added ominously:

"You can read into that what you will..”

This week many of the town's hoteliers and business people met behind closed doors to set up a committee to oppose the possible closure of Bubbles and Bubbles' boss Brian Bromiley said: "No politicians were invited and we made a lot of headway.

Image: Bubbles
http://www.morecambe.co.uk/photos.html

There were representatives from 16 different organisations present and I was quite surprised at the strength of support for the complex. We've also got a 1,000 name petition."

But dismissing Mr Thompson's claims, tourism chairman, Cllr Yates, said: "We've spent £30 to £40 million in Morecambe - if that's not commitment what is?

We've got 18 months to take a fresh look at the Bubbles site and see if we can attract big developers who can see its potential as a leisure complex.

It's one of the best sites on the coast of England. Our dream would be to buy the Midland, get a developer to build extra bedrooms and also get them to develop the entire site as a new leisure complex."

She also revealed which blue chip companies were interested in Morecambe: "Stakis Hotels are looking at the Midland, Apollo are looking at the Winter Gardens and Rank has taken up a lease on part of the Empire complex.

We're not saying Bubbles will close but we do need to be looking at making Morecambe a resort for the 21st Century"


Image: http://www.morecambe.co.uk

At one time, Morecambe Frontierland was attracting nearly 900,000 visitors a season. Geoffrey Thompson went on record to say that for the following year (1999) the attendance at Frontierland would just barely top 100,000.

Against the backdrop of falling attendances and uncertainty Frontierland was 'downsized' in 1998 when the back section of the park was closed - and as a direct result the park lost some of its rides.

The Stampede roller coaster was one of the first rides to close. It had opened at the park in 1988.

Also removed in 1998 was the family favourite Tea Cups ride which had been a mainstay at the park.

Dark clouds were gathering over Frontierland..


Image: Frontierland in 1999 http://www.joylandbooks.com

The following text by Kathryn Flett is taken from From The Observer, first published 25th July 1999

For many years Morecambe seemed to be in denial about its ignominious slide in status - there is, of course, no longer any need for a glamorous gilded 3000 seat theatre in a town with a declining tourist trade, a place where the summer season artistes include a magician called Harvey Rush and Paul Wheater singing Jim Reeves and other country favourites'...

...The Labour council managed to get quite a bit done, enthusing the town with a bit of a 'vision', but residents lost faith after the premature announcement of an exciting revenue generating new tourist-attraction:

A Noel Edmonds-endorsed Crinkley Bottom theme park.

Mr Blobby-land soon went spectacularly, and very publicly, belly-up, however, and the local council is now run by a bunch of Independents.

...The ongoing £40million redevelopment is making a difference to Morecambe but it still feels like a town with one foot planted firmly in the past and the other poised hesitantly, waiting to step forward.

On the seafront, Gypsy Lee, who has plied her trade in Morecambe for 46 years ('my mother was here for 60') reads my palm for a tenner.

I'm going to live to a great age, apparently and although I've had a 'difficult few years, surrounded by chaos, things are looking up'.

In fact, things look up rather faster than I expect as soon as I stumble across P. Brucciani, purveyors of award-winning Ice-cream, tea, coffee and snacks.


Image
http://www.classiccafes.co.uk/Seaside.html

..With its red formica tables linoleum and acid-etched glass Venetian scene, Brucciani's is a perfectly preserved slice of the 1930s...

If this were Brighton it would he abuzz with earnest conversation over Penguin classics and the fog of a million Marlboro.

But this is Morecambe and there is only me, six septuagenarians in Pacamacs and even though it is run by Italians, there is no espresso machine.

Despite this, it is heaven.

[Gary]

Frontierland Morecambe: How The West Was Lost Part 2

The following text is taken from From the Lancashire Evening Telegraph, first published Friday 24th Sep 1999.

THE face of Morecambe's Frontierland is set to change with the development of a shopping complex at the theme park, the Citizen can exclusively reveal.

The plans are still in the pipeline but Frontierland has put a number of its biggest rides up for sale and is looking at the potential of a retail centre similar to the popular Freeport development in Fleetwood.

Bosses at the theme park are remaining tight-lipped about the plans but Company Secretary and Director of the Pleasure Beach, David Cam, said: "Yes, we're looking to change the face of Frontierland.

Discussions are now under way with the council looking at various alternative proposals.

"We will make an announcement as soon as we have something concrete."

A city council source said: "It's commercially sensitive at the moment but if it goes ahead there will be major changes.

Any investment in the resort is always welcome."

Morecambe MP Geraldine Smith said: "It's good news for the area.

Shopping is a popular leisure activity and I think a mixed development at Frontierland would be great."

Frontierland Tea Towel on a red background.
Towel bought in 1992 and still bears the original creases as purchased.
Never used, rarely unfolded. Price was £1.99
Image: S.A.S. Baynham

The real memory that sticks out for me was riding the Texas Tornado when I was just 5 years old!

..From that moment on at that young age, that's what got me loving the woodies!

I can remember the Log Flume quite well along with the Fun House.

I used to love going down the vertical wall as a child and trying to make my way up the moving steps.

I remember riding The Haunted Silver Mine and walking through a very dark Noah's Ark.

The Ghost Train was always fun.

I can remember having my wristband as a child and my grandparents watching me as I came off the Ghost Train and went straight back on for about a dozen times!

The Stampede coaster at the back of the park was great fun too. The first drop always made my stomach jump really high!

The teacups were always great fun and you could spin them yourself, which is something I would like at the Pleasure Beach in Blackpool!

There was also the ride (the name totally escapes me at the minute) where it was a haunted walk through.

I can remember walking through the ride with a group of people and none of us being sure where to go, so we tugged and pulled on a door which we thought was the way out (it turned out to be the cleaners cupboard with the mop!)

..Riding the Rattler roller coaster and feeling a huge gust of wind in my face everytime I entered the apple section.

Travelling on the El Paso Railroad miniture railway around a section of the park.

..The American Coaster and the Sky Ride going over the park and out over the road.

I always feared that because I was a child I was going to slip out under the bar of the Sky Ride car and fall onto the promenade as the ride left the park!

Frontierland was a fantastic place where I was very happy as a child.

Andrew Love: Webmaster of the original Frontierland Remembered website interviewed on themagiceye 2005


Image: http://www.morecambe.co.uk

The following text is taken from from the Lancashire Evening Telegraph, first published Friday 5th Nov 1999.

THE number of rides at Morecambe's Frontierland are to be reduced casting doubt over the theme park's future..

A number of jobs are likely to go at the park although the company is thought to have other plans in the pipeline.

Morecambe councillor Tricia Heath said it was sad to see the theme park scaling down its operation.

She said: "It's obviously not what people want.

Maybe it's time to look at something new.”


Image: http://www.morecambe.co.uk

Texas Tornado is the one UK woodie I could possibly have ridden, but didn't.

My main chance was when I was up in Lancashire in 1999 - alas, time was tight.

Eventually made it to Morecambe in 2001, but by then it was too late.

Graeme Cassidy

In 1999 The Runaway Mine Train (Originally called The Wild Mouse and built in 1960) was closed. The ride was moved to Southport Pleasureland where it thrilled many riders under the name of King Solomon’s Mines.

1999 saw the closing down at Frontierland of the Ghost Train, Giant Slide and several other small attractions.

The brilliant Texas Tornado wooden ‘out and back’ rollercoaster was to take its last passenger in 1999.

The ride was originally designed by Harry G Traver and opened as Le Cyclone in Paris (1937) where it only operated for a year.

The ride was moved and rebuilt in Morecambe as The Cyclone between 1938 and 1939. The layout was drastically altered at this time. It was renamed The Texas Tornado when Morecambe Pleasure Park changed its name to Frontierland in 1987.

One thing I do regret is not having the chance to ride the Mine Train - either at Frontierland or Pleasureland. I do have faint memories of riding the Sky Ride and Polo Tower as a child though, which stick out more to me than the Texas Tornado.

Adam Whittaker


Image courtesy of
Nick Laister http://www.joylandbooks.com

The Texas Tornado was put up for sale for the bargain price of £100,000 but sadly there were no buyers.

The Following Advert appeared in a November 1999 Issue of World's Fair:

FRONTIERLAND
WESTERN THEME PARK ENGLAND

FOR SALE

WOODEN ROLLER COASTER - 2 Philadelphia Toboggan trains, one forward
facing, one rearward facing. Track length Approx. 2,500ft., 3 main
dips, return bend and 3 main dips.

CHANCE 16 GAUGE RAILWAY - comprisiing of locomotive with V4 petrol
engine and hydraulic drive plus 2 carriages. Some track. Passenger
capacity 12 adults or 24 children.

CHANCE TRABANT - A rotating and elevating ride. Circular carriage 20 X
2 seat units - 40 passengers maximum. Footprint 47ft. diameter.

WALTZER - Tradional Maxwell (UK) manufacture. Exstensive refit 1998
seaso. 10 cars, 5 passengers per car. 50ft. diameter.

SKY RIDE - Fixed seat cable way using two bull wheels with two
intermediate towers. Continuous movement, approx. 12 minute ride cycle.

SEVERAL OTHER RIDES FOR SALE -
CATALOGUE AVALIBLE.

Enquiries: John Harding, General Manager,
Frontierland Western Theme Park,
Promanade, Morecambe, Lancs.,
England LA4 4DG.

Frontierland last operated as a permanent Theme Park in 1999 and closed as such on 7th November 1999.

The following year (2000) it contained many travelling fair rides operated by showmen and went by the name 'Frontierland Family Theme Park'.


Image: http://www.morecambe.co.uk

I think the park had been doomed before my project started as it was only part open in the summer of 2000.

DJ Clark: interviewed on themagiceye regarding his photographic project "A Little English City"


Image courtesy of DJ Clark (2000)

In 2001 following the closure of Frontierland Family Theme Park, themagiceye - during a whirlwind visit to Morecambe - spotted a flyer attached to some hoarding.

The writing was on the wall for Frontierland literally.

The park was closed for good.

If proof was needed that there was no going back then sadly this was it...


Image Frontierland 2001: Gary Radice

The flyer read:

TOWN AND COUNTRY PLANNING ACT 1990
TOWN AND COUNTRY PLANNING (INQUIRIES PROCEDURE) (ENGLAND)
RULES (2000)

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT
AN INSPECTOR INSTRUCTED BY
THE SECRETARY OF STATE

WILL ATTEND AT
THE ASHTON HALL, LANCASTER TOWN HALL
ON
TUESDAY 18 SEPTEMBER 2001 AT 10.00AM
TO HOLD A LOCAL INQUIRY INTO

AN APPLICATION BY W.M. MORRISONS SUPERMARKETS PLC. REFERRED TO THE SECRETARY OF STATE UNDER SECTION 7 OF THE 1990 ACT FOR A1 RETAIL DEVELOPMENT WITH FOODCOURT, PARKING, LANDSCAPING AND SERVICING ON THIS SITE NAMELY: LAND FRONTIERLAND, MARINE ROAD, MORECAMBE.

Such a great park, pity I was too young to appreciate it properly...

Lüke Hellwÿck


Image: http://www.morecambe.co.uk

..And there was more bad news for the tourist industry in Morecambe..

The following text is taken from The Visitor, first published on Wednesday 19 September 2001 at
http://www.thevisitor.co.uk/news/moreca ... -1-1200854

The curtain has finally been drawn on the saga of the derelict Bubbles site.

Councillors made the final decision to demolish the decaying attraction at a full council meeting last Wednesday.

Leader of the cabinet, Tricia Heath, said: “The lack of maintenance at the site has caused this decay.

“It’s of no relief to the cabinet that this leisure facility will now go, it’s very sad. In the long term consultations will take place with the public and relevant groups about the future of this site.”

Coun Mark Turner, of the MBI group, said the council had tried until the eleventh hour to save the Bubbles complex and keep an important tourist attraction in Morecambe.

Image: http://www.morecambe.co.uk

The following text is attributed to Jim Trotman Principal Tourism Officer from 2002

“Many of our residents remember Morecambe as it was some 30 years ago but part of our task is to explain that Morecambe needs to look forward and to attract new markets and that it is not possible to return the resort to providing the same type of attractions that were provided in the past and which declined because of increasingly worldwide competition.


Image: Gary Radice

..For 2002, we hope to see a quality destination shopping attraction on the former Frontierland site with some rides remaining for the younger children to enjoy while their parents or grandparents enjoy the shopping.
Other major development sites remain for sale and the City Council is keen to attract quality, all-weather attractions rather than "cheap and cheerful" attractions that would only operate in the summer months.”


Image Frontierland 2002: Gary Radice

The following text is taken from The Westmorland Gazette, first published 14th February 2002

A MULTI-MILLION pound retail leisure complex at Morecambe's Frontierland will be given the thumbs up.

The ambitious project, which could create up to 150 jobs, has been the subject of a planning inquiry and has been put to the Secretary of State for a final decision.

And, having met with Stephen Byers to discuss the regeneration of the resort, local MP Geraldine Smith says she is very confident there will be a successful outcome.

"Having held discussions with Stephen Byers I am confident that we will have a successful outcome and that construction work can begin this year.

The site (Frontierland) is currently a blight on Morecambe's promenade and if the go ahead is given a great many local jobs will be created.

The development consists of factory outlets and a landscaped plaza and the developers, Morrisons, claim it will generate £8 million worth of spin-off trade.

Property Management Director, Mr Roger Owen, said the multi-million pound development was an opportunity for the whole of Morecambe to attract more visitors.

He said: 'These proposals will bring people back into Morecambe and bring in money.

The rest is up to Morecambe itself.'

..Morrisons' plan to keep and refurbish the Polo Tower, which will become an integral feature of their proposals, and the scheme also includes a food court, a new bus service, rail links and cycle routes.

Tourism Chairman, Cllr June Ashworth, said: "It is a marvellous opportunity for the town and with the planned linkages, visitors will move out from the new centre into the town and along the promenade.

In that way the new development will have a halo effect that will benefit all retail and tourism operators in the resort."

There were considerable concerns that if the planning inspector turned down the development, Morecambe would have been left with a large derelict site on the promenade, and the local Chamber of Trade are worried that it could put smaller town centre shops out of business.


A Frontierland metalic pin badge. Purchased in 1992. S. A. S. Baynham

..Seeing a turntable from the miniature railway next to the station of The Cyclone which was renamed to the Texas Tornado.

I can't remember going on it, although would love to see a layout.

Following this I remember my next visit when Charles and Diana got married and going on the my second ever rollercoaster the Schwarzkopf Jet Star (located at the back of the park) and shocked that there was no restraints on it.

Chris McFarlane


Image: http://www.morecambe.co.uk

The following text is taken from The Morecambe Town Centre Strategy Adopted – May 2002

Phase 1; - Development of the former Frontierland site as a Factory Outlet Shopping Centre;

4.9 In 2000 the Blackpool Pleasure Beach Company closed most of the Frontierland Amusement Parkleaving only the Ranch House Public House and a small area to the rear in use.

4.10 In March 2002 following a Public Inquiry the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions granted planning permission for a Factory Outlet Centre on the site. This will ensure that the site continues to perform a role as one of Morecambe’s premier visitor attractions.

4.11 The scheme proposes the development of the site as a Factory Outlet Shopping Centre with a gross floor area of around 8,800 sq. m. It will contain up to 56 individual shop units and a food court. It will sell predominantlyfashion and table top goods in out of season and end of line ranges from top international brands. It will be fully enclosed and be in a modern design with entrance towers reflecting a Marine/Seaside theme.

4.12 The scheme includes the creation of a new landscaped area of open space on the Marine Road frontage and the retention and restoration of the Polo Tower.

4.13 The benefits of the scheme include

The direct creation of 150 permanent jobs and a similar number of indirect jobs through suppliers and contractors, as well as construction jobs;

The provision of a major new tourist attraction bringing around 930,000 visitors per annum, the majority of whom will be new to Morecambe;

The development of a high quality building which will enhance the seafront;

The landscaping, to a high standard, of an area of 0.25 ha on the Promenade;

The reclamation of 3.41 ha of degraded land in a prominent location on Morecambe seafront;

The creation of 6339 sq. m (net) of new retail floorspace and the attraction of quality retailers to the town;

Improvements to linkages between the Central Promenade Area and the Arndale Centre with new pedestrian crossing facilities, environmental improvements to Victoria Street and the provision of a shuttle bus;

The retention and refurbishment of the Polo tower as a distinctive attraction;

The provision of 286 new visitor car parking spaces;

The provision of new cycling and walking routes and the enhancement of existing walking routes between the Town Centre and the West End.

A major boost in the development of a positive new image for Morecambe;

4.14 The proposed development will commence shortly and the FOC is expected to open for business in the Spring of 2003.


Image: Frontierland 2003 Gary Radice

[Gary]

Frontierland Morecambe: How The West Was Lost Part 3

The following text is taken from The Morecambe Visitor, first published 10th March 2004 at
http://www.thevisitor.co.uk/news/moreca ... _1_1216431

...Now the council, as reported in The Visitor recently, is pushing for the frontage to be tidied up "to hide the site behind", at least until a decision is made on its future.

Steve Riley (He once worked as part of the park management at Frontierland) for one, would certainly welcome some positive developments, after witnessing years of decay and decline.


Image: Frontierland Morecambe: Gary Radice

"I don't really care what they do with it now, as long as they do something," he (Steve Riley) said, staring out onto the 10 acres of dirt, puddles and stone.

Once themed on the Wild West, how sad it is now Frontierland is little more than a bleak and desolate desert..."

The Midland Hotel with The Polo Tower in the distance. Photo taken in 2004 by Anne at http://www.ilike.org.uk


Image: Midland Hotel 2004:Ann at http://www.ilike.org.uk/

The following text is taken from The Visitor.co.uk first published 17th March 2004 at
http://www.thevisitor.co.uk/news/moreca ... _1_1216456

MORRISONS says plans to build a major new leisure club on the old Frontierland site are "a step in the right direction for Morecambe".

Bosses at the supermarket chain hope to submit a planning application to Lancaster City Council next month to create a new health and fitness centre and two stores on the derelict Marine Road site.

Roger Owen at Morrisons said "negotiations are well along the line" with leading names in the leisure and retail industries.

"It's a start, a step in the right direction for Morecambe and we will continue negotiations to fill the balance of the site," said Mr Owen.

John Donnellon, director of regeneration at the council, said: "It is very early days but we would welcome anything that will bring jobs in to Morecambe.

We will look into whatever Morrisons has to offer – although we will not accept housing – but not rush into anything just for the sake of having something there.If they are looking at a proportion of the site and not all of it, we would still expect them to tidy up the frontage."

The Visitor reported in February how Morrisons was looking at alternative uses for the former Frontierland after struggling to find tenants for a proposed factory outlet centre.

The chain was granted planning permission in 2002, following a public inquiry, to build 56 retail units to sell a range of factory seconds and surplus stock at discounted prices.

"Ideally we would have liked the original plans to go ahead, but the market appears to have shifted away from that type of development," said Mr Donnellon.


Image: http://www.morecambe.co.uk

I used to go Frontierland every summer with family when we went camping near Morcambe between about 91-94.

Sadly dont have any pics of the place for some reason

The last time I went to Frontierland in 97 it was raining heavily and my mum wouldnt let me go in..

That was the last time I went when the park was still running.

LOL.. gutted.

Geoff Blears


The following text is taken from The Visitor.co.uk first published 19 May 2004 at
http://www.thevisitor.co.uk/news/moreca ... -1-1216757

EIGHT brightly coloured carousel horses formerly used on a children's ride at Frontierland were stolen from a storage area near the site.

The junior horses worth around 500 each were stolen between Friday, May 7 and Wednesday, May 12.

Three were later recovered but the remaining five are still missing.

Steve Riley, manager of the Ranchhouse said: "The horses are made of fibreglass and each one is around 2ft high and 3ft long, brightly painted in red, green and blue with a white background.

"Fairground memorabilia is popular, and Blackpool and Southport fairs both have charity auctions where items are sold off to eager buyers.

"These horses are collectors items and there is a big market for them.

"At the time of the theft a man was seen carrying one of the horses down West End Road and it's highly likely that someone local committed the theft or knows the whereabouts of the horses.

"The horses could be used to set up another small ride or sold on as ornaments for people's houses.

"I would appeal for anyone with information to contact police as these things are unique. Even if someone painted them we would still recognise the pattern."


Image: http://www.morecambe.co.uk


The following text is taken from The Visitor.co.uk first published 10th August 2004 at
http://www.thevisitor.co.uk/news/moreca ... _1_1217115

Frontierland housing plans

PLANS for eight terraced houses on land previously used by pleasure park Frontierland have been revealed.

Blackpool Pleasure Beach has submitted the proposals for the three storey houses on the old Grove Street depot.

The depot was used while Frontierland was in operation but is now surplus to requirements.

The proposals have provoked shock among local residents who question the need for a new development when there are already empty houses nearby.

One couple wrote to The Visitor to say the plans were "madness" and the area is already overpopulated.

A spokesperson for Blackpool Pleasure Beach said the depot on the site is currently unused and the proposed development would "improve the aesthetics of the site".

The plans can be viewed at Palatine Hall.


Image: http://www.morecambe.co.uk

The following text is taken from Morecambe Today, 20th July 2005

RETAIL development specialists behind plans for a DIY store at White Lund say plans for a similar store at Frontierland would be a 'massive' wasted opportunity for the resort.

Pettifer Estates have been working with AXA Insurance to bring forward development plans - likely to involve a Homebase store - for the site of the company's existing operations at White Lund.

They say the success of their planning proposal could be crucial in securing AXA's future in Morecambe, as it will fund the company's relocation to more modern office accommodation.

Pettifer Estates Director, Charles Pettifer, said:

"We are proposing an appropriately sized store that meets the council's own assessment of local need on an accessible site well-suited for this kind of heavy retailing.

"We completely agree with Geraldine Smith MP and other local representatives that warehouse-based retailing at Frontierland would be a massive waste of an exceptional opportunity.

This is a key seafront site, and should surely be earmarked for a more integrated and imaginative leisure-led development.

"The Manchester Evening News recently suggested that Morecambe could once again become one of the region's most fashionable resorts."

"The location is fabulous, the natural assets are world-class, but there is still a need to develop a more modern tourism and leisure offer. Frontierland is the obvious location."

"We would be astonished if that asset was squandered to deliver some short term or opportunistic advantage. Once it's gone, it's gone."


Image: The Midland Hotel: Gary Radice

The following text attributed to Ray Wilcockson is taken from This is Lancaster, first published August 12th 2005

A VISION Board funded by The North West Development Agency is currently brain-storming a dream of how Lancaster and Morecambe may develop in a sustainable way over the next 20 years.

Its brief, timetable and list of members are available on Lancaster city council's website, where the chairman notes that we really ought to be making better use of the unique assets of Morecambe Bay.

However, Morrison's plans for the Frontierland site are likely to go to a planning meeting in October - at least two months before the Board proposes to publish a draft for consultation.

Vision Board manager Catherine Potter aptly describes the current state of Morecambe tourism as something of a hidden treasure and punching below its weight, while financial prudence seems to underpin what vision the council has.

A council that thinks like this, yet is proud of its promenade, stone jetty, poetry path, and (multiplying) seafront sculptures, is a council in two minds.

By opposing the residential elements in the Frontierland plans and calling for more events like the successful Kite Festival, Geraldine Smith, MP - a Vision Board member - appreciates, I suspect, that the more there is for tourists to do in Morecambe the more often they will visit and the longer they will stay.

The 2007 guests at The Midland Hotel will, for example, thank us for open, clean, accessible promenade toilets and at least some sign that it won't be too long before The Winter Gardens, re-awakens for their delight.

My hope is that our MP will back those who argue for a council policy that provides a greater guarantee of success for such new hotels by insisting that prospective promenade developers focus on leisure, culture, heritage, and entertainment.

It would greatly help her were Morecambe more equably represented on the Vision Board and I advise the immediate co-option of representatives from Urban Splash, Morrisons, the Friends of The Winter Gardens and the promenade fairground at least.

It may also be beneficial to explore the potential for a joint tourist strategy with Barrow-in-Furness, where cruise-ships may soon be calling.

Meanwhile, the council should resist any overtures from residential and industrial developers in relation to the central promenade. This is sacrosanct tourist territory that defines the resort's very identity.


Image: http://www.morecambe.co.uk

It would have been my 11th or 12th birthday when my parents took me & 3 mates for the day.

It was the 1st time any of us rode a 'big' wooden coaster ('cause Blackpool's Little Dipper doesn't count!).

But I remember visiting before then, a day out with mum & grandparents who took me to see 'the biggest big wheel in the world', but while they let me look at it, they wouldn't take me ON it!

I remember the flume was particularly slow, but a lovely ride through the tree tops.

Me & mates held the side of the trench, completely stopping the boat mid-course!

..And the Cyclone (Texas Tornado)... the 3rd drop was the best!

Colin McWilliam: http://www.ukrides.info


Image: Frontierland Morecambe: Gary Radice

The following text is attributed to Michelle Brookes and taken from thevisitor.co.uk 16 November 2005 at
http://www.thevisitor.co.uk/news/moreca ... _1_1199650

Fresh progress on old Frontierland site:

MAJOR plans for redeveloping the former Frontierland site have moved a step closer.

Outline planning permission has been granted for a development of the derelict site to include housing, a hotel, leisure centre, garden centre and retail outlets.

The main site ceased as a funfair around five years ago, with any existing rides to be dismantled if the development goes ahead.

Planning officer Andy Roe said: "At the moment, the Frontierland site is a major eyesore for everyone. There is a genuine need for this type of mixed use development which would fit in with the West End Masterplan. It would provide a much better frontage to Marine Road than the vacant and unattractive site we have now."

Objections to the proposed plans came from members of the Morecambe and District Cham-ber of Trade and Commerce who voiced their opposition to the plans because they were not considered a tourism development.

A petition signed by 71 local residents had been submitted, with most expressing the feeling that they didn't want housing on the site. There was also a lengthy objection from the planning advisors for B & Q, who had previously applied to have a store near White Lund, but were refused.

Several councillors voiced their objections to the proposals including Coun David Kerr who said: "Tourism is finished in this district if this development goes ahead."

Evelyn Archer said: "We're bending over backwards for developers who'll get pots of money if this goes ahead. We're damaging the Arndale Centre's trade. It's just a way of fetching in a use for disused land."

Head of planning., Andrew Dobson said: "We need investment in big gaping holes in the town. If we sit here and hope the site will be filled and turn developers away, what message does that send out?"

Coun Abbot Bryning added: "Morrisons have been the catalyst for development in Morecambe. Seaside resorts have changed and will continue to change – what more do people who represent Morecambe on the tourism front expect?"


Image: http://www.morecambe.co.uk

For the years before it closed we used to go a few times a year, there was always promotions on and we never found the park busy.

Chris McFarlane

The following text is taken from The Visitor.co.uk, first published 27th September 2006 at
http://www.thevisitor.co.uk/news/moreca ... _1_1204163

LANCASTER City Council is ready to get tough with supermarket giant Morrisons and force it to tidy up the former Frontierland site in Morecambe.

It is six years since the closure of the theme park and, apart from the demolition and removal of many of the rides, the site has been left derelict.

A hoarding meant to screen the site from tourists has itself become an eyesore and cannot hide a huge mound of earth. The final straw was the erection last week of razor wire around the Polo Tower.

Coun Janice Hanson, the council's cabinet member with responsibility for the regeneration of Morecambe, said it was time to get tough with the company.

"Ideally we would like them to get on and implement their planning permission (for a new development on the site)," she said.

"But if that's not going to happen in the short term I think we've reached the stage where something has to be done because it really is unacceptable.

"The people of Morecambe have supported Morrisons for many years and I think it's time they do something and sort it out."


Image: Morecambe Frontierland: Gary Radice

All those great pictures of FRONTIERLAND, MORECAMBE, took me back a few years.

I used to have a yearly pass for this and had hours of fun with my cousin going on all the rides:

Mouse Trap (Wild Mouse), Dodgems, Haunted House, Ghost Train, Fun City (wow that was great!!) and the big Wheel was another fantastic ride.

We used to play for hours on end there.

My Uncle used to work at the fairground too.

God I loved those days, it was the best fairground in the world.

It's so sad now it has closed, seeing all the rubble where used to stand such a great place!!!

Now its just a total eyesore!!..

Emma Thompson (nee Pryce)


Image: http://www.morecambe.co.uk

The following text is taken from The Visitor.co.uk, first published 23rd August 2007 at
http://www.thevisitor.co.uk/news/moreca ... _1_1207493

..There was not to be much movement until – possibly encouraged by regeneration and development company Urban Splash's interest in the adjacent art deco Midland Hotel – JJB Sports and the Homebase chain announced formally, a couple of years ago, plans to locate there.

Clothing retailer Next followed suit in 2006 and work on all three major units can be seen continuing apace today (2007)

Outline planning permission has also been approved for building residential units on the front of the site, but no more detailed plans have yet been submitted.

..The land has, in its different guises, always played a major part in shaping Morecambe's fortunes and it looks certain to continue that way well into the future…


Image: Jim Lowe

In an interview with Park World Online in 2007 Jim Rowland (Once general manager and then Director at The Morecambe Park) spoke about Frontierland:

"..They’ve closed the park down since I left, but times changed and once the illuminations went, I was pretty sure the park would go too.

What also happened was they wanted to build two big nuclear power stations and all the boarding houses took the workers in; there was no room for the holidaymakers.

That was short-sighted really because once they had built the power station, the holidaymakers stopped coming..."

http://www.parkworld-online.com/news/fullstory.php/aid/251/So_long_JR!.html

[Gary]

Frontierland Morecambe: How The West Was Lost Part 4

...2008 and eight years after Frontierland closed, The Log Flume lies derelict.


Image: Log Flume: Sarah Bury 2008

The following text is taken from the publication:Morecambe Destination Benchmarking 2008: England’s Northwest Research Service

..Destination Benchmarking is a study which enables a destination to not only explore its visitors’ perceptions but also to compare itself against other locations..

..This report presents the findings of a survey of visitors to Morecambe, undertaken between July and September 2008..

Key Messages from the Benchmarking:

In general, Morecambe has seen a mixed fortune according to the data suggested by this year’s survey. (2008)

Although in some areas it compares poorly to the benchmark for resorts, in others it has shown significant improvement.

Accommodation: Morecambe continues to shows levels of satisfaction with accommodation that are equal to benchmark, and this is more significant for this year’s results with a higher proportion of visitors using serviced accommodation.

Attractions: Morecambe saw an increase in satisfaction levels in this regards, this being most notable for Range of attractions, at a time when all other resorts showed no change.

..Ease of finding way around: Morecambe has seen significant improvement in the satisfaction with Road signs and Display maps & info boards. However, this is ‘matched’ by a significant decrease in satisfaction with pedestrian signage around the resort.

Toilets: There has been a very positive improvement in this, with scores for both Availability and Cleanliness moving from negative to positive – and also now exceeding the benchmark for a resort.

Upkeep and Cleanliness: In all measures, but especially the Cleanliness of the beach Morecambe has seen significant improvements; the benchmark indicates that resorts in general saw a downward trend.

Destination impressions: In common with all resorts, Morecambe saw an improvement in the perceived atmosphere and welcome.

Feelings of safety: Although a majority of visitors to Morecambe felt safe both from crime and traffic (94% and 92% respectively), those who felt this ‘strongly’ were much lower than in 2006.

Overall enjoyment: There has been a fall in the satisfaction of the overall enjoyment of the visit – but, importantly, an increase in the Likelihood of recommending Morecambe to friends and family.


The photographs below of Frontierland were taken in 2008


Image: Jim Lowe 2008
http://northwestseasidetowns.conceptnew ... dex-2.html


Image: Jim Lowe 2008
http://northwestseasidetowns.conceptnew ... dex-2.html

I had many happy times at Morecambe.

I loved the fairground. Thanks to the website you have it's the only happy memories I have left.

The powers that be who gave the go ahead for flattening Frontierland - I will never forgive them.

Sadly Morecambe means nothing to me now.

Ian Laing


Image: http://www.morecambe.co.uk

The following text is taken from The Visitor first published on August 6th 2009 at
http://www.thevisitor.co.uk/news/moreca ... _1_1213371

TWO hundred flats, a hotel, 28 houses and a new pub could still be built on the old Frontierland site.

Owners Morrisons have applied for a renewal of planning permission for a proposed 'mixed-use' development on the derelict former theme park.

The supermarket chain was given outline permission for the scheme in 2006 but this expired in April 2009.

Property developers David McLean Homes had agreed to build the new development until they went bust in 2008.

Morrisons is now searching for new developers for the site.

The application for the redevelopment of the site consisted of the removal of the remnants of the old Frontierland theme park and to provide an 80-bed hotel, 65 retirement flats, 125 further apartments, 28 town houses, a new public square and a pub/restaurant adjacent to the retained Polo Tower.

The following information acts as a good summary of events up to 2009..

The following (Application Number 09/00644/OUT Dated 28th September 2009) is taken from :
http://committeeadmin.lancaster.gov.uk/ ... x?ID=16500

Following the closure of the amusement park in September 2000, the applicants acquired the surplus land and lodged a planning application (Ref: 00/00967/FUL) for the erection of a factory outlet centre including 8,800 sq m of retail development, with a food court, parking, landscaping and servicing.

This was recommended for approval by the City Council in March 2001 but planning permission was only granted in February 2002 following a 'Call-In' Public Inquiry.

In the event, the delay in reaching this decision by the Secretary of State, combined with a downturn in the market, resulted in a loss of momentum and this combined with only a limited demand for a factory outlet centre in Morecambe, and led to the scheme not being pursued.

Accordingly, in the light of the market interest that had been shown in the site, the applicants submitted an application in July 2004 (Ref: 04/00497/FUL) for leisure and non-food retail development on the part of the application site to the immediate south of the existing Morrison superstore. However, it was felt that this represented a piecemeal use of the site and did not provide sufficient links with the surroundings.

Additionally, certain retail policy matters required further clarification. As a result, and particularly following the publication of the West End Masterplan in January 2005, the application was withdrawn in pursuit of a more comprehensive scheme for the site.

The outline application submitted in 2005 (Ref: 05/00928/OUT) tried to address the piecemeal concerns by showing how the site as a whole could be developed with a mix of uses. However, a full application (Ref: 05/00929/FUL) was submitted at the same time for 3 retail warehouses on part of the site, which was subsequently approved, developed, occupied and became operational

Though the applicant marketed the remainder of the site, and received strong interest from a residential developer, again the market overtook events and the developer in question went into receivership. The permission then lapsed earlier this year (2009).

Therefore the applicant is now applying for outline permission again, in line with the 2005 submission, though this time only for the western (undeveloped) part of the site.


Image: http://www.morecambe.co.uk

I loved the park and always had a great time there.

The Cyclone (aka Texas Tornado) was a fantastic woodie with the old style PTC cars and restraints which gave lots of airtime.

The Noahs Ark, Funhouse, Ghost train were all classic living pieces of history and I was gutted when I found out it had gone.

Pete Andrews

The following text is taken from http://www.thevisitor.co.uk first published on 27th February 2009
http://www.thevisitor.co.uk/news/morecambe-and-district-news/let-s-invest-for-rediscovered-english-seaside-1-1212148

Let's invest for rediscovered English seaside

JUST about every 2009 tourism projection you read about this year makes the same point.

Holidaymakers in their thousands will be turning their backs on crowded airports and staying away from many European destinations, deciding instead to holiday at home this year.

The poor performance of the pound against the Euro – coupled with the economic hardships affecting just about every family – will persuade those who do take a break this year to do so in this country.

Which should be very good news indeed for a town like Morecambe.

With the publicity surrounding our designation as the 'Best Reinvented Resort' from Coast magazine, the Midland Hotel reopening and the 10th anniversary of the unveiling of our Eric statue, Morecambe should at least be in people's minds as a possible short-stay destination.

.. those in charge of tourism locally are certainly expecting a busy summer.

But – with The Dome scheduled to close just before the season starts properly, festivals and other events under threat, the former Frontierland site still an unsightly mess and some public loos set to be boarded up – just what will they think of our resort?

A reinvigorated local tourism industry, capitalising on the 'rediscovery' of the English seaside, could help Morecambe buck the economic trend.

It could revitalise our shops, cafes, pubs and restaurants and help them battle through the currently depressed commercial situation.

Which is why attractions, events, venues and facilities should come at top of the list of things for our councillors and private backers to support.

It makes sense to invest a bit now in order to reap the rewards – which would help us all – in the future.


Image: http://www.morecambe.co.uk

The following text is taken from the Seaside Voices section of the excellent "Morecambe: A blog for the people of Morecambe" February 22nd 2010
http://morecambe.seasidevoices.org.uk/?p=66#comments

What should be done with the old Frontierland site?

1. Site_Admin | February 22, 2010 at 1:21 pm

FrontierLand should be reopened

2. Mrs Marjorie Cardy | February 25, 2010 at 12:38 pm

A great idea would to use the site as a swimming stadium which is sadly lacking in Morecambe, a so called seaside resort!

3. Michael Broome | June 19, 2010 at 9:34 pm

It should be reopend Frontierland was a big draw to people I live near Kendal and I used to come to Frontierland and Bubbles all the time. Why would people come to visit Morecambe when there are no tourist attractions left? Instead of building more flats and hotels build some tourist attractions!

4. Sandra Keating | August 12, 2010 at 12:03 pm

Re open Frontierland – it was a great fun place.


Frontierland Entrance 2010: John and Miranda's Travel Blog
http://www.travelblog.org/Europe/United ... 67695.html

2011 / 2012 and many remnants of Frontierland still remain:


Image: The former Frontierland at Morecambe 2011
courtesy of Steve Daniels

So what of the future for the Frontierland Site? The following is taken from:

Lancaster City Council
Morecambe Area Action Plan
Initial SA Report
Options Development
Report No 009-WX44644-WXR-01
Date 11 November 2011

Appraisal of Frontierland

Option A – mixed-use development with significant commercial/leisure development

Mixed use development on the currently derelict Frontierland site would improve natural surveillance and reduce fear of crime, it would also provide opportunities to provide improved public services, connect the battery to central Morecambe and remove a current derelict site which could be viewed as a hazard.

New development would increase confidence for further economic development i.e. empty derelict sites within an area lower economic confidence. In addition successful mixed use development would increase job opportunities for the local population which would help to achieve a thriving economy.

This option could be developed to create a ‘spearhead’ site to start regeneration within Morecambe.

It is likely that new development would enhance townscape character and quality in the immediate vicinity as Frontierland currently appears run down and derelict from the promenade.

However, design and scale of new development should be mindful and sensitive to the adjacent Conservation Area.

Development of the site would lead to an increased traffic flow in the area which could exacerbate current safety issues associated with traffic incidents and would reduce local air quality which could affect health.

However, some adverse effects have been identified as a result of implementing this option.

The option would not contribute to improving local housing stock and could detract from other central areas of Morecambe. In addition, a new mixed use development on this site may have a negative effect on the Arndale/Euston Road sub-area Option as it could further fragment the retail offer in Morecambe.

Additional retail units on the promenade at Frontierland could also add to the current problems with short term visitor patterns as visitors would not be encouraged to visit the Arndale/Euston area where there are currently empty units.

Option B – Predominantly residential with limited other uses fronting Marine Road only

There is currently a lack of high quality housing within central Morecambe and research has shown there are heath and social benefits that arise from high quality housing. Residential development on this site would also improve natural surveillance and improve fear of crime.

This option would also act as a link between surrounding residential areas in Morecambe to the town centre, particularly the West End.

New residential development on the Frontierland site would increase confidence for further economic development i.e. empty derelict sites within an area lower economic confidence and could be considered more financially viable in the current economic climate providing they can be sold.

It is likely that new development would enhance townscape character and quality in the immediate vicinity as currently Frontierland appears run down and derelict from the promenade.

However, design and scale of new development should be mindful and sensitive to the adjacent Conservation Area. There are better opportunities to include greenspace in residential development rather than commercial development.

Although fairly specific at this stage there is a lack of housing in central Morecambe with gardens. Providing housing with gardens would increase green space (albeit private) within the AAP boundary, which would also offer health benefits to home owners.

Alternatively, areas of communal greenspace could be provided.

It should be ensured that local services have the capacity to deal with an increased population i.e. schools.


Image: http://www.morecambe.co.uk

..Looking across the bay I could almost believe that the resort was having something of a rebirth.

But then looking at the sorry sight that once was Frontierland presented a completely different picture.

The Polo Tower looked rather forlorn and the remaining western front facia only partially hid the rubble strewn derelict amusement park.

For some reason a bar at the front of the block was still open but all of the rest of the amusements were merely memories in my head...

Phil Gould


Image: Gary Radice

[Gary]

Frontierland Morecambe: How The West Was Lost Part 5

The following text is taken from BBC News Lancashire 28th July 2012 at
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-la ... e-19019541

A designer from Morecambe has put forward plans to the town's council and the landowners to transform the Polo Tower into a hi-tech landmark.

The tower on the promenade is a remnant of the Frontierland Theme Park and now houses a mobile phone mast.

Robert Aitken wants to turn it into an "interactive digi-tower" which broadcasts images and messages with a digital telescope.

Landowner Morrisons is yet to comment on the proposals.

Mr Aitken said in his plans he would have slim television screens running the entire length of the tower clad in aluminium.

He said it could also have software to help wildlife watchers identify birds across Morecambe Bay.

Mr Aitken said the costs would not be high for the project.

"You have got the structure there so all you are doing is cladding it and paying for the IT... so it should be good value for money," he said.

Mr Aitken believed the new tower could become a landmark for Morecambe like Blackpool's famous tower.

Councillor Janice Hanson, cabinet member with responsibility for regeneration, said: "The city council welcomes anything which contributes to the debate on the future of the Frontierland site and the Polo Tower.

"This is a key site for the regeneration of Morecambe and the council will be publishing ideas over the next few months as part of the Morecambe area action plan."


Image: http://www.morecambe.co.uk

The following text is taken from The Visitor first published on August 10th 2012 at
http://www.thevisitor.co.uk/news/moreca ... -1-4813796

AMBITIOUS plans have been revealed for a new 2,000 seater entertainment arena and indoor ice rink at the former Frontierland.

The ex-fairground could also become home to a sculpture gallery, 50 apartments, shops and cafes and a spectacular walkway, linking the site to the railway station and the seafront.

InsideLA, a Lancaster-based group of designers, project managers and tradesmen, have unveiled their ‘Morecambe Central’ project hoping the public will get behind it.

Gary Lightfoot, project manager, called it “potentially the most important development for Morecambe in decades”.

The InsideLA team also includes James Halliday, CEO of Lancaster-based digital marketing company 21EV, and Lancaster architect Shaun Graham.

“This proposal would enhance Morecambe’s desirability as a tourist destination,” said Mr Lightfoot. “With the demise of The Dome a few years ago, Morecambe now has no purpose-built, large auditorium and we think this is a serious hindrance to Morecambe’s weekend festival ambitions.”

The blueprint for the Frontierland site comes hot on the heels of plans to revolutionise the Polo Tower.

Robert Aitken, an international museum designer from Bare, recently unveiled his vision for a one-of-a-kind ‘Digital Tower’ to replace the disused former fairground ride.

Mr Halliday said InsideLA would be interested in working with Mr Aitken to make both schemes happen.

InsideLA, who have spent three years developing their concept, are also in talks with site owners Morrisons.

The land is believed to be available for around £3m. They would also have to obtain planning permission from Lancaster City Council before work could begin.

A spokesman for Morrisons said: “We are continuing our discussions with the council planning department about the future use of the (Frontierland) site and will be considering all options.

“We will be meeting with the planners shortly to consider how the site can be integrated as part of the council’s intention for links to the town centre.”

Following the closure of The Dome and The Carleton, the Platform is the town’s sole remaining purpose-built live entertainment venue. The 1,000-capacity former railway station is operated by Lancaster City Council.


Image: http://www.morecambe.co.uk

The following text is taken from The Visitor published 7th October 2012 at:
http://www.thevisitor.co.uk/news/resort ... -1-4988061

Crime in the resort is rising.

Addressing Morecambe Town Council last Thursday night, Sgt Lindsay Brown told councillors crime was up 1.9 per cent year-on-year.

He put the rise down to burglaries of sheds and garages and said residents should not be surprised if police were more visible in the town.

He said: “We have to alter what we are doing in order to halt the rise. People will see a lot more police on the streets of Morecambe over the next couple of months.

“We have had slight reductions in crime all the time I have been here, around four years, and this rise is nowhere near putting us back where we were.

“It had got to the stage where it couldn’t go any lower, we were really down to the bottom and because of a number of factors, spending cuts and the like, it has risen.”

He added that despite the rise, equivalent to 43 more crimes, anti-social behaviour was down 17.8 per cent on last year. Councillors also received a presentation regarding a proposed new series of music events, Morecambe Rocks.

Proposer James Halliday said events ranging from one-day concerts to three-day festivals could be held on either the former Bubbles site or former Frontierland site, capitalising on the current boom in “music tourism” and raising the profile of the local music scene.

He said the first event could be held as early as May Bank Holiday weekend 2013 and attract thousands of visitors to the resort.

The plans are in the early stages and councillors are to look at a business plan before moving ahead with any decision on backing the scheme.


Image: http://www.morecambe.co.uk

It's sad to see Frontierland in the state it is now.

It was a great attraction.

I spent lots of time in Morcambe as a child.

There are great opportunities here to create a resort for all.

Blackpool is becoming too rowdy and it's time we had somewhere safe for all to enjoy the seaside fun.

Claire


Image: Gary Radice

The following text is taken from the The Visitor first published 12th January 2013 at:
http://www.thevisitor.co.uk/community/w ... -1-5296752

MARGATE is a dilapidated seaside resort with a large number of empty shops, a former fairground standing empty on its promenade and residents worn down by years of decline and disappointment.

Sound familiar?

But while the famous Kent seaside resort and Morecambe are startlingly similar in many ways, Margate is turning the corner.

Like Morecambe, in 2012 the south-east coastal town gained a £100,000 Government cash boost as a Mary Portas Pilot Town.

Now its empty shops are slowly being filled, a majestic £17.5m Turner art gallery has opened on the seafront attracting 500,000 visitors in its first year and an Oscar-winning director is shooting a film about the town.

What’s more, leading travel publisher Rough Guide voted Margate one of 2013’s must-visit destinations alongside Stockholm, Dubrovnik and Puerto Rico, no less.

Meanwhile, the town’s old Dreamland amusement park, as seen on the famous ‘Jolly Boys Outing’ episode of Only Fools and Horses, could reopen next year as a ‘heritage’ theme park, home to classic rides from all over the world - including one from our own Frontierland. (The Wild Mouse: Built in 1960 and operating until 1999 at Morecambe’s Pleasure Park. The ride was relocated to Southport in 1999 where it opened in 2000 and renamed ‘King Solomon’s Mines’)

Margate received £10m for the project including £3.7m Government cash to rejuvenate UK seaside towns. This was from the same ‘Sea Change’ pot Morecambe’s Winter Gardens applied for in 2009...and didn’t get.

To rub ironic salt in Morecambe wounds, Margate has recruited one of our own to head the Dreamland project.

Morecambe-born Wayne Hemingway’s firm Hemingway Design will create the overall scheme and branding for the disused site.

“Margate is showing a real collective effort by everybody to make a difference,” said Wayne, 51.

“They have a council who are willing to take risks in making decisions. They ‘get it’ and will have a go.

“They are influencing some great things to happen down there.”

When Wayne talks with such passion about the Margate resurrection, one question springs easily to mind.

Why aren’t you doing this in your hometown?

According to Hemingway, the answer is quite simple. Our local authority won’t employ him.

“I’ve been in touch with Lancaster City Council over the years but there’s been no interest at all,” said Wayne.

London-based Hemingway loves his birthplace. He visits Morecambe regularly, is a patron of the Winter Gardens and even indulged one of his other great passions by DJing at the town’s soul music festival a few years ago.

He also wanted to remodel the central promenade area next to the Midland Hotel, entering Urban Splash’s international design competition in 2006.

But Flacq won the contest, developers Urban Splash plumping for their sketches centred around modern high-rise flats and shops.

Urban Splash’s scheme, scheduled to go before Lancaster City Council planning in 2013, has caused a public outcry. Hemingway himself remains critical of the plans.

“Shops and houses on that prime promenade location, what’s that about?” said Wayne.

“That’s the most special piece of land in Morecambe.

“It beggars belief they are thinking about it.

“Do something world class in that world class location or do nothing....”

Image: http://www.morecambe.co.uk

I lived most of my youth (8 to 18) in Morecambe, so knew Frontierland mainly in the sixties.

I used to work with the beach horses just across from Frontierland and we used to get a lot of tourists coming across the prom for a ride on some ‘real’ horses after having fun on Frontierland.

Happy memories there!

But my personal memories of Frontierland are from a later date, in the early eighties in fact.

I married a Frenchman in 1972 and moved to France.

We had two daughters and every summer we came to stay with my parents for a few weeks.

Almost as soon as we arrived, both the girls wanted to go down to the Camel Derby on the seafront of Frontierland.

We always enjoyed our time there and the people who ran the place were great fun and always encouraged my daughters to compete with ‘their’ camels.

Good fun for all the family.

The last time my younger daughter, now 29, came with me to see her grandparents, she was so disappointed to see the state of the site and wondered where the Camel Derby could be now!

I do so hope that Morecambe manages to get its act together soon and that it won’t allow the building of flats on the former Bubbles site!

What an awful idea!

It would ruin the beauty of the seafront!

The revamped Midland Hotel is fine, as it’s an architectural heritage, but not modern flats for heaven’s sake!

Lindsay Gilliers-Gilson


Image: http://www.morecambe.co.uk

The following text is taken from The Lancashire Evening Post (lep) first published on 8th February 2013 at
http://www.lep.co.uk/community/vision-f ... -1-5391641

Vision for Morecambe cable car ride

Mark Draddy is rallying support for the first ever Trans Bay Cable Way, which would take passengers on a ride through the sky from the promenade to the Lake District.

Mr Draddy, a landscape garden designer from Milton Keynes whose family lives in Morecambe, believes this could be the biggest tourist attraction in the UK.

He has held talks with David Morris, MP for Morecambe, who likes the idea.

“I’m just ‘the little guy’ and it’s just an idea at this stage,” said Mr Draddy.

“But this could be a golden opportunity to put the North West of England back on the national tourist map and to put Britain back on the international tourist map.

“Most cable car installations are popular visitor attractions and to date there is nothing of this scale in the UK.

“The economic benefit for Morecambe, Grange-over-Sands and Barrow-in-Furness to name a few could be immense.”

Mr Morris said: “I am supportive of any project that will bring jobs and tourism to Morecambe and Lunesdale.

“Clearly there will need to be a discussion about how this project can be funded and a discussion about environmental issues.”

Mr Draddy has studied other cable car rides in Vietnam, Malaysia, Armenia, Hong Kong and France, some of which are suspended over water.

He suggests the ride could start from near the Frontierland site, cross the Bay and make its first stop-off in Grange-over-Sands before heading into the Lakes.

To Be Continued..

[Gary]

Frontierland Morecambe: How The West Was Lost / CREDITS:

To date my grateful thanks to the following for their valued contributions to this article:

Dave Andrew,

Pete Andrews,

BBC Lancashire at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-la ... e-19019541

Mark Bradley at his great site Frontierland Remembered at http://www.frontierland-remembered.co.uk

S.A.S. Baynham at http://rollercoastermedialibrary.com/

Geoff Blears,

Sarah Bury,

Caravanning4U at http://caravanning4u.co.uk/campsites/cumbria.htm

Graeme Cassidy,

Claire,

DJ Clark,

Classic Cafes at http://www.classiccafes.co.uk/Seaside.html

Steve Daniels,

Lindsay Gilliers-Gilson,

Phil Gould,

Lüke Hellwÿck,

http://www.ilike.org.uk/

John and Miranda's Travel Blog

Ian Laing,

Nick Laister here at http://www.joylandbooks.com/

The Lancashire Evening Post,

Andrew Love,

Jim Lowe at http://northwestseasidetowns.conceptnews.org/index.htm

The Lancashire Evening Telegraph,

Chris McFarlane,

Colin McWilliam at http://www.ukrides.info/

Morecambe: A blog for the people of Morecambe at http://morecambe.seasidevoices.org.uk/?p=66#comments,

http://www.morecambe.co.uk/

The Morecambe Local History Research Group,

Morecambe Today,

Carol Oakes,

The Observer,

Dave Page,

Park World Online at: http://www.parkworld-online.com/

Jim Rowland,

Tony Salmon at http://www.bluecoatboy.co.uk/#/frontierland/4535203219,

This is Lancaster,

Emma Thompson,

Jim Trotman,

The Visitor at http://www.thevisitor.co.uk and

The Westmorland Gazette,

Adam Whittaker

[Gary]

Recommended YouTube for Frontierland:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r7wiEQMLUf0 Cableway, view from the Cableway of the park and promenade, shots of the Carousel

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=__cJq5kJei4&feature=results_video&playnext=1&list=PL2B74EB3FFC0E535D Early '80s: Log Flume, Wheel and Texas Tornado

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pHgYao8q3Fc&feature=fvwrel The "Soapy" Log Flume

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VXv68r3dTFU '90s: Noah's Ark, Tumble Bug, Flyers, Ghost Train, Fun House, Texas Tornado

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3-FNsliTLQQ Texas Tornado

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d46KrFFPPoA Texas Tornado on ride shot in 1999

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pwibMOvz6BU 1992: Great shots of Frontierland

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iUKW03swq04 '94 - '95: More great shots of Frontierland

http://youtu.be/dR3utX6EicE The Haunted Silver Mine

http://youtu.be/eYevXdIy8mE Morecambe Raiders at Frontierland 1994

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CDoppjmqUFU&feature=related The Stampede Roller Coaster

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hbNV5DibpOk The Guinness Time Piece: Morecambe 1962

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sR3ZnQ5AUHA A Ride on the POLO Tower 1998

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wwLH3q5Tnj4&feature=related Jim Lowe's visit to a deserted Frontierland in 2008



See Also:

http://www.joylandbooks.com/themagiceye ... rland1.htm
http://www.joylandbooks.com/themagiceye ... ornado.htm
http://www.historic-images.co.uk/lancas ... -morecambe
http://www.communities.gov.uk/publicati ... prospectus

[Gary]

If any readers out there have any memories / bits of news about Frontierland Morecambe that they wish to share, please email me, Gary, at themagiceye@aol.com

and I'll include them in this ongoing mini project with credit of course.

Many Thanks!

Gary


Gary Radice / 2005 / 2012