'Empty shell' Liverpool building that became biggest of its kind in the country

It first opened back in 1990

It's now been 35 years since an "empty shell" building in Liverpool became one of the biggest attractions of its kind in the country. Through the years, Edge Lane Retail Park has seen a lot of change - but one constant has been Hollywood Bowl.

Opening in May 1990, the purpose built ten-pin bowling alley boasted a 1950's American theme and was "one of Britain’s biggest single-level bowling centres" at the time. Over the last three decades, thousands have visited for birthday parties, as a weekend treat or for a first date, also enjoying the many arcade games near the lanes.

A number of famous faces have also visited, from local footballers to Samuel L. Jackson and Lady Gaga. Now, the Hollywood Bowl on Liverpool's Edge Lane is undergoing a 'monumental' £2.1 million renovation, which will see upgrades to the venue's 28 ten pin bowling lanes, as well as amusements and a bar and diner.

Chief Technician, Dave Porter, originally from Norris Green, has worked at the centre since it first opened and March 3, 2025 marked 35 years since he started there. As part of the Liverpool ECHO How It Used To Be series, we spoke Dave, 52, about the early days of Edge Lane's Hollywood bowl and his memories of the site through the decades.

Dave told the ECHO: "When I went to my interview, it was just an empty shell, it was just like an office. There was nothing in there at all.

"I didn't even know what position I was applying for because it was a new thing then. That was March 1990.

"On the application I just put any position because I didn't know what you could do in there and the different roles. My first role, at the time it was called lane patroller and I'd walk up the lanes and serve the customers.

"We had trial runs where we invited local schools around before the official opening to make sure everything ran smoothly. It was totally different.

We had 42 lanes back then - it was one of the biggest in the country at the time on one level. In Nottingham it’s 48, but that's on two floors."

Prior to its official opening, the Liverpool ECHO were invited to have a look behind the scenes at the new Hollywood Bowl. On May 11, 1990, the ECHO reported how the centre boasted 42 lanes, which would be attended by lane patrols to offer bowlers tips and advice on technique.

In preparation for opening, we heard how the Hollywood Diner would serve a range of burgers, hot dogs, sandwiches and more. Its first menu included the Ten Pin Melter, a combination of crisp bacon, lettuce and tomatoes, dripping in melted cheese, in a hamburger bun.

Also on offer was a range of sodas, floats and traditional milkshakes. For those just wanting a drink, Di Maggio’s bar was the place to go and 14 licenced lanes were also available for adults to drink and bowl.

Dave said: "Where the arcade is now wasn't the arcade. When it opened, I think the first thing we had in there was a bouncy castle but when they took that out they had a big children's play area with slides.

"When it first opened it was more American-themed. The uniforms for the lads were navy blue, American-style bomber jackets like what you see people wearing in the American colleges and we had the logos on the back.

"The girls had pink versions of that. Images, previously unearthed from our archives, Mirrorpix, offer a glimpse into what the popular bowling alley looked like in its early days.

You can also see Dave working on the lanes and local school children bowling there for the first time. Now over three decades on, customers from across Merseyside continue to visit Hollywood Bowl in Edge Lane, now bringing their own children and grandchildren.

Through the years, a number of famous faces have also visited. Dave said: "I used to have a bowling pin in my locker and every time a famous footballer came in I used to get them to sign it.

"I've still got it but some of the signatures are a bit faded. It turned out to be a bit of a jinx because everyone who signed it ended up leaving so I stopped asking people to sign it.

"Pepe Reina was the first person to sign it and Luis Suarez came in, Coutinho, earlier on Michael Owen came in, so there were lots from that era. I've seen a lot of people come and go but the team, we have always had a laugh.

"If you don't enjoy what you're doing, the customers can feel it. If we don't want to be there they won't want to be there, so its always been a good environment to work in."

Now, Hollywood Bowl on Liverpool's Edge Lane is undergoing a 'monumental' £2.1 million renovation after 35 years on the same site. The chain's newer Speke location remains open during the renovation works on Edge Lane.

Existing customers, or new customers signing up to Edge Lane’s mailing list while they’re closed, will receive an email with a code for 20% off a standard game at Hollywood Bowl Speke during this time. Hollywood Bowl's refurbishment coincides with a wider redevelopment of the Edge Lane retail and leisure park.

Courtney Pooke, centre manager at Hollywood Bowl Liverpool Edge Lane, said: "After delighting Liverpool for over 30 years, we are thrilled to announce that our family entertainment centre is undergoing an extraordinary makeover. This renovation is set to provide our customers with even more unforgettable experiences."

Dave Porter added: "Hollywood Bowl has earned a stellar reputation in Liverpool and nationwide for providing affordable family fun. We're excited to reopen our doors this spring, bigger and better than ever.

"Being part of the Hollywood Bowl Edge Lane journey for over 30 years has been a true pleasure, and we can't wait to unveil the next chapter in state-of-the-art bowling for the city."