Beloved St Annes Amusement Arcade Faces Transformation into Gym

In a move that has stirred both nostalgia and debate, the cherished Surfside Amusements arcade in St Annes-on-the-Sea may soon be replaced by a gym, pending approval from local planners. The application, submitted to Fylde Borough Council, proposes converting the ground floor of the Island Cinema building on South Promenade from its current amusement arcade use to a gymnasium.

The proposal comes from Your Gym Lytham, a fitness operator already established in the nearby town of Lytham. If approved, the new facility would occupy the space currently held by Surfside Amusements, a venue that has long been a staple for both locals and tourists seeking traditional seaside entertainment.

Operated by Crown Leisure, Surfside Amusements has been part of the community’s fabric, offering classic slot machines and arcade games. The potential closure has prompted reflections on the changing landscape of seaside towns and the balance between preserving traditional attractions and embracing new developments.

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4 June 2025

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