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Once loved UK theme park left 'eerily' derelict for over a decade after closing forever

Pleasure Island shut its gates for the last time in 2016 and now the once loved tourist attraction sits eerily derelict with some of its original structures remaining - as future plans remain unclear

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Inside Pleasure Island, Cleethorpes before demolition begins

A once loved UK theme park has now been sitting derelict for over 10 years, as plans to develop the former tourist attraction continue to face pushbacks.

The Lincolnshire seaside resort, Cleethorpes, was home to Pleasure Island Family Theme Park from May 1993 until 2016.

Every year, tens of thousands of visitors made their way to the amusement park before its sudden closure.

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The theme park has been closed for over a decade

The huge location featured nearly 50 rides, many of which had legendary status among thrill-seekers, including the Hyperblaster, Obliterator, Pendulus, and Terror Rack.

However, the appeal began to drop in the mid-2000s as Brits began replacing stay at home holidays for trips abroad due to costs. Pleasure Island's footfall rapidly declined, and in 2016 the gates shut forever at the end of the season.

Following its closure, several rides were sold at auction, including the historic 1904 carousel, with most other rides demolished in 2018.

However, despite shutting over a decade ago, the site remains entirely derelict with a distinctly eery feel.

Structures still stand, including the dodgems building and children's entertainment zone, as much of the park sits in disrepair.

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Pleasure Island Development Site in Cleethorpes

The entrance stands somewhat similar to how it did all those years ago, however metal fencing encloses the derelict site covering the 'welcome' sign.

As the land appears to have stood still, nature appears to have taken over, with plants and weeds growing across all areas. However, plans to reinvent the space have been proposed.

These plans involve the construction of two hotels, hundreds of log cabins, a casino and additional leisure facilities.

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Inside Pleasure Island, Cleethorpes before demolition begins

They first emerged in 2022 and are estimated to require around 65 million in investment. The ambitious, wide-ranging plans reportedly include restaurants, cafs and retail outlets, while also making use of the lake for fishing.

But, since they were announced, the plans have faced considerable pushback from a number of organisations, and whether they will ultimately go ahead remains unclear.

The Environment Agency was the first to voice concerns, highlighting issues surrounding flooding.

The body released a statement, saying: "We will require continuous access along both banks of the watercourse, and as a minimum, the bridge should not reduce the cross-sectional area of the channel. Further details are required to determine whether these requirements have been met."

Natural England has also warned that the development could pose a threat to the wellbeing of the neighbouring Humber Estuary.

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