In the UK, the locally popular Harbour Lights amusement arcade on Fleetwood’s Esplanade has been taken over by Crown Leisure, the Wigan-based operator.
The arcade, which has been at the forefront of Fleetwood’s tourist business for over 40 years, closed down in April, citing energy costs and the rising cost of living as principal contributors to its demise.
The Stefani family had been operating the locaiton for many years, together with the pier behind the arcade. The pier was destroyed by fire in 2008.
Lee Stefani recently joined Chris Oldland in reopening the Hart’s Amusements arcade at Bispham.
At Fleetwood, Crown Leisure will make considerable changes to the location, confirmed Dean Harding, managing director at Crown.
“We will change the name, substantially change its content with all-new equipment and open in time for the school summer holidays,” he told us.
Crown is already a substantial operator in the area, with its well-known Blackpool Amusements, the Olympia at Cleveleys and the Golden Mile Amusements in Blackpool.
The company also has some regional arcades and holiday park operations in other parts of the country.
