The closure and sale of the New Palace and Adventure land "will be a huge loss to New Brighton " and local history will be "lost", according to ECHO readers.
Yesterday it was revealed the iconic building looks set to be replaced with apartment s, shops and a luxury hotel because its owners can no longer keep up with its maintenance costs.
Owner David Wilkie said: "The building is falling into disrepair, it costs £100,000 a year to maintain before labour costs.
"The storm drains on the roof aren’t able to cope with the weather today, because they were built in 1939, so it overflows when there’s a deluge. This can cause floods in the building. It’s not sustainable to run it as it is.”
He said he wants to build a new funfair elsewhere within New Brighton if the property is sold.
Hundreds of ECHO readers have commented to say they were upset at the news, with many recounting how they spent their childhood at the seaside spot.
Val Sim said: "I'm upset like many. Many wonderful memories for over 55 years for me.
"They're building a new funfair so that's good for the kids. Just be so sad watching it get knocked down. Wonderful childhood memories and [memories of] taking my children."
Helen Greatbanks said: "Sad to see, I used to go as a kid and my kids enjoy it too. May I ask what will happen to the cellars underneath?
"Once a night club. My dad remembers it as an air raid shelter when he grew up on the Wirral, and recently we took him on an organised tour down there.
"There were artifacts and machinery down there from the 30s. Will be a shame to lose this history."
Anne Marie Place said: "Remember going there as a child then taking my own children there. Great memories.
"My uncle worked on dodgems when I was little [and] gave us free goes on it."
And Adele Curley said: " I’m so saddened by this news. I loved going as a kid, my kids love going, it’s a New Brighton institution! So much history and a beautiful Art Deco building to be replaced by no doubt ugly flats! Surely something can be done."
Some readers said the area could use a revamp to attract more visitors, though.
Bill Pettrey said: "It’s about time, the place looks dated and run down. Shame to hear the floral pavilion next door is losing money, it really is a nice venue.
"If New Brighton want to attract more visitors, scrap the tunnel toll and improve transport to and from Liverpool, not rocket science."
While Frank McCormick said: "It's a bit dated now. Great in its heyday but time to change."
And Gary Neil said: " Be sad to see it go in one way but it has been dragging down new Brighton for years!"
Mr Wilkie also spoke of his sadness at having to sell the arcade, he said: “I’ve owned the site since 1999, my family have been in it since the early 1900s.
"It tears at my heartstrings to see the place demolished, but there’s no other way forward, the costs just aren’t sustainable.
“At this stage the plans are just getting off the ground. The funders could pull out or the council might reject the application, it’s not a done deal yet.”
