15 picture memories from the heart of Blackpool which will take you back to the 1980s
They were busy, thriving times as these photos from the decade show.
The trend of pedestrianisation in shopping areas was beginning to make its mark and the shops were bustling.
It was a completely different experience. Most of the shops in large out of town retail parks were still on the high street – in one photo a small Currys can be seen.
A few pictures show Church Street and some of the smaller shops just outside the centre – whilst others show scenes which you may remember right in the heart of Blackpool.
1. Blackpool views
This photo was taken in July 1986, Cookson street in the centre with the Hop Inn to the right of the photo

2. Blackpool views
Familiar shops in the 1980s on the corner of Church Street and Corporation Street. K Shoes on the corner with Supercards and Greenwoods to the right

3. Blackpool views
A watch service shop and the Halifax Building Society are featured in this picture from 1987

4. Blackpool views
Do you remember any of these shops? St Johns School is pictured too. It’s Church Street in 1985

5. Blackpool views
This was a busy scene in July 1987, again on Church Street at the bend which turns into Coronation Street. More shoe shops – Trueform and Saxone

This photo is undated but suggests it could be the 1980s or the late 70s. Marks and Spencer to the right and Littlewoods in the distance. Do you recognise the man with the shovel?

7. Blackpool views
Diversions were in place here, in August 1986k after a burst water mains flooded shop basements. All west bound traffic was diverted as the sewer was fixed.

8. Blackpool scenes
This looks like its the early 1980s, or perhaps late 70’s – can any readers help with the date? Cavendish, John Collier tailors and Currys tucked away in the middle of the the parade of shops are pictured her.

9.
Buskers outside Ratners Jewellers in the town centre. They were performed as part of the resort’s first busking festival

10. Blackpool views
August 1980. Blackpool motorists faced rush hour hold ups when the main entrance to the car park in Adelaide Street closed because of road works. The cars themselves are also blast from the past.

11. Blackpool views
A different view of Church Street in 1985

12.
Peter Bevans, Leftons are names which will be remembered on this parade of Church Street shops from November 1985. A shop which sold furs is also pictured
