Channelling some cheerfulness for you Robi.
Yes jno, There have been various plans, according to the local papers at the time, most of them were snookered because of the high additional costs of the changes required by the panjandrums who administer listed buildings in Battersea. At one time, the shell of the building was going to be a pleasure park with attractions, shops and restaurants and flats around the outside. The "powers", as I recall, required the addition of social housing and "social amenities" which tipped the project out of profitability so it came to nothing and the building was allowed to crumble. All very sad.
Yes Battersea Park had a lovely funfair. It opened for the Festival of Britain and stayed open after the Festival ended.
http://www.britishpathe.com/video/funfair-at-battersea
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battersea_Park
It closed in 1972 after an accident on the Big Dipper.
such memories.....
http://www.arthurlloyd.co.uk/RiversideTheatre.htm
Shaney go and kick butt at the docs!!
Stay well everyone