A palace of seaside fun and games and one of Great Yarmouth’s oldest amusement arcades could be yours.
Showboat, in Marine Parade, has been trading for more than 40 years and has become a staple of the town’s promenade.
The current owners are now retiring and there is an opportunity for a prospective buyer to take over the landmark - if they have a spare £575,000.
Derek and Carol Ann Smedley bought the business nine years ago and are reluctant to say goodbye.
Mr Smedley said: “We’re sad to go but the time has come for retirement and hopefully somebody can take it on and keep it going. We’ve really enjoyed it.”
He added: “We’ve had some really good times.”
During their ownership, the arcade has undergone continual renovations and only recently a £24,000 coin push machine has been installed.
Mr Smedley said: “We’ve got cranes, fruit machines, pool tables, air hockey, kiddy rides and the pushers, which take colossal money, they do very well. There are all sorts to please all.
“We’ve spent a lot of money on the arcade renovating it, including having double glazed bifold windows put in.”
Above the arcade is a large three bedroom flat, described as a “tip” when the couple inherited it, however, this too has been fully refurbished.
Mr Smedley said: “Upstairs we’ve had a lean-to conservatory put in on the back, we’ve put an en suite into the main bedroom, which has sea views.
“It’s a beautiful flat upstairs and it’s nice and warm, we’ll miss it.”
Currently, Mr Smedley, 72, and Mrs Smedley, 70, close the arcade during winter and Mr Smedley said it is “absolutely packed” during the school holidays.
He said: “No seaside town is like it was in the 1960s, but I always say that seaside arcades will always take a few bob.
“People will always come to the seaside and they will always go on the arcades. During the six week holiday we’re absolutely packed.”
The Showboat is available on a freehold basis and the £575,000 asking price includes the three bedroom flat above the arcade.
Intelligent Business Transfer are marketing the business.
For more information, or to put in an offer call the agents on 0800 612 7718 or email natalie.inman@intelligent.co.uk
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