In August 2003 bulldozers began work to demolish The Water Place swimming pool complex in Bolton.

For 14 years, The Water Place was the focal point for people eager for splashing good time.

The £5 million water centre closed in August 2002 and has stood been empty and boarded up for nine months.

The Bolton News:

Robert Garner manager at The Water Place locks the doors for the last time in August 2002.

The Water Place was forced to close when it emerged that the building needed £4.5 million worth of repairs, a cost Bolton council said was impossible to meet since a dwindling number of users meant the swimming pool was leaking too much cash.

The land The Water Place stood on was sold for around £2 million and there was rumours that another pool was to be built elsewhere in the town centre.