Pleasure Island Theme Park
Pleasure Island Family Theme Park was established on the grounds of the old Cleethorpes Zoo. Previously managed by Associated Pleasure Parks, the zoo featured a variety of animals, including seals, penguins, raccoons, pelicans, chimpanzees, a whale, an African elephant, a tiger, and an orangutan. However, the zoo closed its doors in 1977. The property was then acquired by Pleasureworld, a branch of RKF Entertainment, which announced plans to create a new theme park, intended to be a sister attraction to Pleasurewood Hills near Lowestoft, sharing the same name. The construction of this new theme park kicked off in the 1980s.
Unfortunately, RKF Entertainment faced financial difficulties in the early 1990s, leading to a halt in the park's development. The site was sold to Robert Gibb, the managing director of Flamingo Land in Malton, North Yorkshire. Seizing the chance to revitalize the Cleethorpes location, Gibb proceeded with the transformation into a theme park, which ultimately became Pleasure Island. The park was completed under Gibb's direction in 1992 and officially opened its doors on May 27, 1993. Robert Gibb's son, Gordon Gibb, later took on the role of chief executive, overseeing Flamingo Land, while his sister Vicky Gibb, along with their other sister Melanie Wood (formerly Gibb), managed Pleasure Island.
In 2010, Melanie Wood fulfilled her ambition to take ownership of the park, separating it from the family business. Pleasure Island then came under the management of Dewarsavile Enterprises Ltd, led by Mrs. Wood. This transition marked the end of the connection between Pleasure Island and Flamingo Land, allowing both parks to operate independently. In 2013, a farm and petting zoo, complete with a tractor ride, were introduced, replacing the former electric monorail.
Following the latest change in ownership, the Grimsby Telegraph reported on April 14, 2010, that the park had officially shut down. Employees arrived for their shifts only to receive letters notifying them of their job termination. Meanwhile, visitors were turned away at the entrance. Subsequent reports indicated that the closure stemmed from failed negotiations regarding the park's ownership. Once affiliated with Flamingo Land, discussions were underway to separate the two parks, with Melanie Wood, the current managing director of Pleasure Island, set to take over the park. This uncertainty surrounding the park's future sparked significant worry among local businesses, employees, and visitors, fearing that the attraction might close its doors for good. Ultimately, the park locked its gates for the final time on October 29, 2016.
