Mill Road Bowling Alley, Cambridge

History of Mill Road Bowling Alley

7 January 1964 – Cambridge City Council approved plans for a new 24-lane ten-pin bowling alley on Mill Road. The development formed part of the continuing redevelopment of the former cement works site and reflected the growing popularity of American-style indoor leisure activities. (Mike Petty Archive: Cambridge Mill Road Scrapbook 1897–1990, 7 January 1964.)

13 March 1965 – Construction of the bowling alley was nearing completion. Contemporary newspaper photographs showed the new building taking shape on Mill Road ahead of its official opening. (Mike Petty Archive: Cambridge Mill Road Scrapbook 1897–1990, 13 March 1965.)

8 April 1965 – Magnet Bowl officially opened. The new centre contained 24 bowling lanes, together with a snack bar, licensed facilities and league accommodation, bringing modern ten-pin bowling to Cambridge for the first time. (Mike Petty Archive: Cambridge Mill Road Scrapbook 1897–1990, 8 April 1965.)

17 February 1970 – Magnet Bowling announced the closure of the Mill Road bowling alley after less than five years of operation. The decision reflected the national decline in commercial ten-pin bowling during the late 1960s. (Mike Petty Archive: Cambridge Mill Road Scrapbook 1897–1990, 17 February 1970.)