When the Clydebank Playdrome closed in 2017, groans were heard across the west as a childhood institution disappeared.
Though it was replaced with the nearby Clydebank Leisure Centre many still yearn for the Playdrome and its river rapids, water canons and tyre ride. Having been open for more than 20 years before its closure, multiple generations took a trip up the Clyde to learn how to swim or just slip down the flumes.
The centre also offered a wave machine, beach area, badminton and squash courts and a health and fitness club - but most of us recall the aquatic offerings.
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When the centre first opened, both the press and locals were impressed - described as the biggest facility of its type in the wider Glasgow area, and second biggest in Scotland behind Irvine’s Magnum, there was definitely a buzz about the Playdrome. A serious swimming pool for parents, a thrilling selection of options for the kids - this was back when the weans were sent off unsupervised with a couple of quid.
Recalling the Playdrome in the Glasgow Back in Time Facebook group, John Sinclair commented: “Amazing memories of skipping the train up, then skipping into the swimming in the summer - before skipping into the cinema and helping myself to a pick and mix.”
While we’re not sure everyone 'skipped' their way through a day out at the Playdrome, most Glasgow weans have got similar memories of the centre. It wasn’t just a dip in the pool that was an offer though, with some huge events taking place at the leisure centre over its time.
Clydebank boxer Gary McArthur battled Poland’s Arek Malek on his home turf in June 2009 - one of many boxing events held at the centre. At the time, Gary said: “The Playdrome Clydebank is the Mecca of boxing and I’m going to go out there and put in a good performance.
“I always get the local backing. In communities like this we all stick together.”
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Despite its status as a hub for the community in Clydebank, the writing was on the wall in the last few years of the Playdrome. Locals began to notice the upkeep levels falling, investment in the venue was dwindling, and visitor levels were heading the same way.
After the Playdrome eventually closed, the site fell victim to a series of vandalism - most notably a large fire in 2018. By February 2021, the demolition had begun.
After three years of sitting empty, the bulldozers arrived ready to begin razing the structure to the ground. A building filled with years of memories took eight months to rip down - though thankfully we’ve still got our memories.
Earlier this year, it was announced that the site was sold to make way for a new housing development. Hoping to regenerate an ‘important part of Clydebank’, Miller Homes hope to transform the land into 116 properties - purchasing the grounds for £5.6 million.
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