Harry Symonds Retires After Deluxe Career

Image by William Norris

After more than six decades at the forefront of the British amusement industry, Harry Symonds is bidding farewell as he sells his beloved Deluxe Amusement Centre situated on Hastings seafront. For nearly sixty years, Harry poured his passion and resources into Hastings, becoming a stalwart figure in the local business scene and earning esteem within the wider amusement industry across Britain.

In 1969, Harry, then just 30 years old, embarked on a remarkable journey by acquiring the dilapidated Victorian Deluxe building, which he transformed into a thriving amusement hub on the South Coast. Over the years, the venue witnessed a diverse array of attractions, from a renowned snooker club frequented by legends like Hurricane Higgins and Steve Davis, to adapting to changing regulations by installing a lift for accessibility and rejuvenating interest in bingo with the help of figures like Jimmy Tarbuck.

Following the passing of his father in 1966, Harry transitioned his focus from Sheerness to Hastings, where he revitalized his father's venture, Harry’s Old Town Bingo. Throughout the 60s and 70s, Harry's enterprises flourished, with the Deluxe becoming a local landmark, Out of this World Children’s Complex attracting families from afar, and the Olympia hosting a vibrant mix of entertainment.

A savvy advocate for the gaming industry, Harry played a pivotal role in securing Assisted Area Status for Hastings and championed controversial town centre development initiatives. As a prominent member of the BACTA, he spearheaded fundraising efforts and served as Vice Chairman, leaving an indelible mark on the industry.

In 1997, Harry embarked on his boldest project yet, revitalizing the Stade amusements and boating lake into a family-friendly destination and realizing his vision of a Historic Hastings visitor attraction, inspired by the town's rich heritage.

Looking back on his legacy, Harry expressed his gratitude to Hastings, telling the Sussex World, “This town has been my anchor, and I was determined to give back by creating a landmark that would secure its legacy for generations to come, much like the Yorvik Centre in York.”

As Harry bids adieu to his beloved Deluxe Amusement Centre, his imprint on Hastings and the British amusement industry will endure as a testament to his ingenuity and unwavering dedication.

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24 April 2024

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