A water attraction loved by generations of kids is still a much missed despite closing 20-years ago.
For years, families flocked to the state-of-the art fun centre on Great Moor Street in the middle of Bolton town centre. At a cost of £5.8m, Bolton's Water Place was opened to huge fanfare by Her Majesty the Queen in 1988.
The Water Place featured two massive 100m water flumes that went right to the top of the building, from where screaming kids would hurtle down, ending with a giant splash to the sounds of disco music pumping around the building. It also had rubber dinghy rapids, a wave machine and palm trees which had been imported from Florida.
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And it wasn't just rides that drew people to the Water Place. Built over two floors, it also featured a a spa pool, health pool and children's pool, a cafeteria, gym, meeting rooms and office space.
In essence, it was a fully kitted out leisure complex that while coming with great expense also served as testament to the council's optimism and ambition for Bolton town centre. Looking to attract people from Greater Manchester and beyond, an advertisement in the Liverpool Echo in December 1994 read: "Everything you could possibly want for an action packed day is under one roof".
Adding: "Situated in Bolton Town centre just two minutes walk from Trinity Street Railway Station and Moor Lane Bust Station, the Water Place is the place to be this Christmas holiday. So whether you splash, slide, rush or plunge, you're guaranteed to laugh and scream!"
One of the enduring memories people have of the pool is having to hike up to the top of the giant flumes on a rickety spiral staircase. As they queued for the ride, they stood in full view of shoppers in their swimming cossies through the glass walled spiral steps.
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However, soon after its opening, the Water Place was plagued by problems. After just eight months, it had to close for two-weeks for essential repairs. Less than three years later, the complex was losing money.
It's also reported in The Bolton News, that in 1992, fumes forced The Water Place to be evacuated with 23 swimmers taken to hospital. Sadly, the leisure complex finally closed in 2002 with debts of £750,000.
Leaking cash and with less people using the fun centre, it emerged the building needed £4.5 million worth of repairs and was sold for around £2m. The building was demolished three years later and became a car park for Morrisons.
Despite being beset by problems in its short 14-year existence, it seems there are many who retain fond memories of the Water Place. When the MEN posted a photo of the pool to the My Bolton Facebook page in 2002, it attracted many positive responses.
Stacey Jayne said: "Miss this place [crying emoji]". While Ryon Collins said: "Bring it back."
Gabrielle Humphreys posted: "We always loved it here," adding: "Shame it's gone. The kids would love it now."
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Stacie Hayes said: "Should never have knocked this down. What have us Boltonions actually got now? Nothing!" Adding: "Couldn't beat having a good old swim them going to Bella Pizza round the corner for pound pizza - such a shame".
Nathan Stillwell remembered: "Thunderbirds countdown before the waves come, then after a swim go for something to eat in the café upstairs - Good times." Si Pughy said: "That freezing cold staircase that was actually outside to get to the slide."
Ashley Percival posted: "Arguing over which big slide you was going on cause one was apparently faster then the other. I can't remember which one it was. I think yellow."
Does The Water Place awaken any memories for you? Let us know in the comments section below.
While Emma Heydon commented: "I learned to walk again after major surgery. They looked after me so well. Then we as a family use to go every Tuesday for years - fond memories. Oh and hot chocolate and flap jack afterwards, lol x".
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