Abandoned Places – Page 10 of 32

March 5, 2016

Urban Exploring: Dazzeland

A few weeks back, Adelaide theatre company Slingsby kindly showed us around their new show location — The Myer Centre‘s Dazzeland.

Myer Centre's Dazzeland — Awesome Adelaide — Dazzeland’s signature attraction ‘Jazz Junction’. (Photo courtesy Mary MacTavish July 1991)

Dazzeland was a two-story indoor amusement park at the top of the Myer Centre in Rundle Mall. Built in the late 80s early 90s it was renowned for its figure 8 roller coaster running overhead on the fifth level. Other attractions included dodgem cars, a Lego Expo, a carousel, giant playground, musical fountain, and a train.

It was extremely popular with both children, teenagers and adults. The State Bank collapse and mounting public liability costs took a toll on the park and Dazzeland was closed in 1998. The top floors have remained disused since despite several attempts to re-lease the area to various retail businesses. The remains of the roller coaster were removed during 2003 as part of the renovation of the Myer Centre.

The space is temporarily being used by the Slingsby Theatre Company as part of the 2016 Adelaide Festival. To see part of Dazzeland, go see their play The Young King — it runs from Saturday February 27 to March 19 in the Myer Centre’s Level 5 Atrium. Tickets and details here.

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February 21, 2016

Urban Exploring: Fairyland Village

Fairyland opened in 1973 and immediately became a huge success with children and families. Depicting scenes from fairy-tales and children’s stores it became a favorite destination in the 70’s and 80’s. Nothing similar had ever been done within Australia.

Attendances declined in the 90’s and 2000’s and the park eventually closed.

Late last year a vandal attack occurred. Several of the cottages were damaged and display items taken. As a consequence the park owners reluctantly disassembled the park and sold its contents. Nothing remains.

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February 4, 2016

Urban Exploring: Chapman’s Smallgoods

Having been exploring the Chapman’s Smallgoods Factory for years now with our regular partner-in-grime, it’s time to say our goodbyes.

The Chapman’s Smallgoods site was the first smallgoods factory in Australia. Built in 1889 by George Chapman and his brother Albert; it became one of the largest employers in the Adelaide Hills. In the 1940’s, the capacity of the ham and bacon curing plant was trebled and the number of employees grew to 380.

Chapman's Smallgoods — Awesome Adelaide — Old Chapmans Industrial Estate, Nairne South Australia.

In 2002, Chapman’s Smallgoods relocated to Murray Bridge and the factory was no longer required. It was used by other manufacturers for a time until falling into disrepair.

Chapman’s will always hold fond memories amongst Adelaide Hills residents, explorers and even those who trashed the joint. I will miss Chapman’s in all its glory and although I visited dozens of times, I still wish I’d come more. Remember the good times and cherish these last moments of the great factory of Chapman’s.