Amazing photos of Edge Lane's Hollywood Bowl before it opened are a window into the past.
Over the years, Edge Lane Retail Park has seen a lot of change - but one constant has been Hollywood Bowl. Attracting thousands of Merseyside kids for decades, many of us have fond memories of childhood birthday parties, going there for a first date and more.
Opening in May 1990, the purpose built ten-pin bowling alley had a 1950's American theme and created 35 full-time jobs for local people. At the time, Leisure Times, a subsidiary of Themes International, invested £3m in Liverpool with the launch of what it believed to be "one of Britain’s biggest single-level bowling centres."
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Today, we know what Hollywood Bowl in Edge Lane looks like from recent visits, or can remember the arcade games, photobooths and lanes we previously bowled on. But these images, recently unearthed from our archives, Mirrorpix, offer a glimpse into what the popular bowling alley looked like before it officially opened.
In the images, taken on May 2, 1990, we see empty lanes ready to be used for the first time and construction taking place inside. If you're familiar with Hollywood Bowl in Edge Lane, you'll be able to spot which part of the site is featured and what is being built.
One image shows work being done on the American-style diner counter and the nearby main desk where you could book your lane and collect your bowling shoes. Another shows the site as an empty canvas as final preparations were being made.
We also see Deputy manager Mark Campbell trying out some bowling in the empty lanes and behind the scenes with equipment. These fascinating images show the popular bowling alley like we've never seen it before.
What are your memories of Hollywood Bowl on Edge Lane through the years? Let us know in the comments section below.
Prior to its official opening, the Liverpool ECHO were invited to have a look behind the scenes at the new Hollywood Bowl. On May 11, 1990, the ECHO reported how the brand new centre boasted 42 lanes, which would be attended by Lane Patrols to offer bowlers tips and advice on technique.
Manager Simon Faulkner at the time said the site provided a "1950s-style setting with the facilities of the 1990s." He said: "Bowling is one of Britain's fastest growing leisure pursuits. Our aim is to provide all the facilities to take this exciting pastime into a new high-tech era."
The article continues: "Many special events are being planned, ranging from children’s Ten Pin Parties to company and conference ‘Great Escape’ bowling sessions, plus league challenges. Visitors and bowlers are referred to as guests, because that is how Hollywood bowl sees them; and the intention is to provide first-class facilities, which will be as good in 10 years time as they are on the day of the opening."
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A the time, a company representative said: "Forget the mind boggling scoring systems associated with ten-pin bowling all those years ago; Hollywood Bowl’s futuristic, computer-assisted scoring system takes away the need for complicated calculations and allows you to concentrate on bowling that winning strike”
In preparation for opening in 1990s, we heard how the Hollywood Diner would serve a range of burgers, hot dogs, sandwiches and more. Its first menu included the Ten Pin Melter, a combination of crisp bacon, lettuce and tomatoes, dripping in melted cheese, in a hamburger bun.
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Also on offer was a range of authentic sodas, floats and traditional milkshakes For those just wanting a drink, Di Maggio’s bar was the place to go and 14 licenced lanes were also available for adults to drink and bowl.
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