BOASTING two water flumes, a wave machine and palm trees imported from Florida, Bolton's Water Place opened it's doors for the first time in 1988.

Officially launched by Her Majesty the Queen on December 1 that year, the £5.8 million complex hoped to herald a new era of swimming and fun in Bolton.

The Bolton News:

The Queen officially opens the Water Place in 1988.

Built over two floors, The Water Place also had river rides, cascades, disco music, a cafeteria, gym, meeting rooms and offices.

The Water Place finally closed in 2002 with debts of £750,000, leaving the town centre without any public swimming facilities until the opening of the £34 million Bolton One in 2012.