The Legacy of Premier Bowl

The tenpin bowling centre on Central Drive in Blackpool opened on 1 October 1965, just a short walk from the seafront. It had thirty-six Brunswick lanes all on one level with A2 type pinsetters. The centre operated until the early 1970s when the Rank Organisation decided to close all its remaining bowling centres, although the Blackpool Mecca Building remained. In the 1970s, it became well-known for The Highland Room, which was a major Northern Soul music venue. From 1977, it hosted the Commonwealth Sporting Club but closed down in the 1980s. It’s not clear if the building was used in the following decade, but in August 1990, the World of Tenpin magazine reported that the centre, now called Premier Bowl, had reopened with equipment from different suppliers. At that point, it was owned by Blackpool Premier Leisure Ltd. By 1994, it was known as Seldon’s Premier Bowl, and in 1996, the directory listed it as Seldon’s Leisure.

Steve Gomersall, a director at Premier Bowl, played a major role in the centre’s history. He began bowling in 1964 at the Savoy Bowl in Blackpool after watching matches on ITV’s World of Sport. Gomersall quickly became a competitive bowler, representing Lancashire and being one of only four Lancastrians to compete for England at the international level. He also joined the US Pro Tour in the 1970s, learning ball drilling and advanced techniques. Over the years, he’s won tournaments worldwide and bowled 33 perfect games. He has run Steve’s Pro Shop for over 30 years and has commentated on events like The Weber Cup. He’s also served as Chairman of Lancashire’s bowling association and still enjoys competing in tournaments.

By 1999, the centre had a new owner, becoming part of AMF’s chain. In 2001, it was listed as Sole Leisure Ltd in the directory. Within the next year, 8 lanes were removed, leaving only 28. Sole Leisure Ltd owned it until it was demolished in January 2009 to make way for new buildings for Blackpool and The Fylde College. However, due to funding issues, B&FC withdrew, and as of 2013, the site is planned for residential development.

The Classics – Winners of “The Streatham Sixes” From left to right: Steve Gomersall, Loke Coleman, Kevin Lamb, Del Delaney, Craig Cronshaw and Roy Higginbottom.