Redcar Outdoor Swimming Pools / Skating Rink

Posted on August 17, 2011 by chris.twigg

Redcar once had an outdoor swimming pool and paddling pool next to the existing boating lake.

I recall perhaps 20 years ago the curve of the large pool was visible in the waste land between the boating lake and the swimming baths (now demolished)
This area is currently being redeveloped for the Tuned In / myPlace centre, while this was happening I noticed a lot of concrete has been dug out of that area.

Its possible these are the remains of the swimming pool, although I also have a recollection of some concrete steps leading into the ground in this area, so it could also just be an old drainage tank of some sort.

Update : Some discussion below has pointed out the concrete was actually the skating rink, thanks to those involved for clearing that up.

Unveiling the Palace Cinema, Redcar

Posted on July 13, 2011 by chris.twigg

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The redevelopment of Redcar seafront has revealed the old Palace Cinema which sits over the top of the deserted amusement arcade which is to become “The Hub”

Theres a much more detailed “Palace Watch” blog being kept which also contains the history of the Palace

Below are some photos that appeared on Redcar.net, but its currently offline so I cannot credit them to the right people, if they are yours let me know.

More change in Redcar

Posted on April 13, 2011 by chris.twigg

Things are changing on a daily basis, so i’m recording anything I notice from now on.

Las Vegas Amusements have closed, become a “Virtual Shop” and had the signage removed

Tyne Tees Amusments is currently behind scaffolding and looks unlikely to re-emerge in this form.

Redcar Fire Station is currently being heavily modified with a new community centre being built onto the front.

The raised area between the Regent and the old site of Leos has been completely removed in preparation for the new sea defences.

Sir James Knott Lifeboat – Kirkleatham

Posted on April 13, 2011 by chris.twigg

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The Sir James Knott is an Oakley Class Lifeboat which was built in 1963 and served in Cullercoats and Anstruther before coming to Redcar between 1972 and 1985.

After leaving Redcar the boat was part of the reserve fleet serving at Scarborough, Anstruther and Newcastle Co. Down. In total she was called out 122 times and saved 81 lives before becoming a museum exhibit in the early 1990s.

Recently lost buildings of Redcar

Posted on February 23, 2011 by chris.twigg

Much work is ongoing in Redcar and a number of buildings have disappeared in the last year or so, I thought I would capture them from Google Streetview now before they vanish from there too. I doubt any will be considered a loss to the area in years to come.
The Alderman B.O. Davies Health Centre on Coatham Road, demolished

Kwik Save on West Dyke Road, demolished

Sharky’s on the Sea Front, demolished

This one on the right has been derelict for as long as I can remember, but I believe it was once an amusement arcade, demolished

The Hydro, not actually demolished, but now converted into flats.

Sir Williams Turners School, War Memorial

Posted on January 17, 2011 by chris.twigg

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This memorial was erected for the 46 pupils and 2 staff of Sir William Turners School (which was on Coatham Road where the library currently is) who were killed in World War 1.

The memorial has moved many times during its life, it moved to Corporation Road in 1962 when the original school was demolished, then to Sir William Turners 6th Form on Redcar Lane in 1975, back to Corporation Road in 1994 when Redcar and Cleveland College was formed and to its current location in 2008 when that college was in turn replaced.

Blatherwick Terrace sign, Redcar

Posted on December 3, 2010 by chris.twigg

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Situated on what is now Lord Street.

The houses don’t exist on the 1895 map, and by 1915 its just named Lord Street, so this must have been a fairly shortlived name.

Coatham Windmill

Posted on December 1, 2010 by chris.twigg

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Coatham windmill had four sails, and a photo of this does exist.

This location is behind Station Road and parts of a substantial sandstone wall are still present, although again it may be nothing to do with the windmill.

Redcar Windmill

Posted on December 1, 2010 by chris.twigg

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Redcars windmill is shown in numerous etchings as having six sail, although they were gone by the time this photo was taken.

The area seen is between Fishermans Square and the Bus Station. A workshop with some large sandstone blocks remains athough whether this was part of the windmill or just an associated building I don’t know.