Never before seen footage of Dundee’s old Olympia has just surfaced online
- Andrew Batchelor
- 3 days ago
- 2 min read
New unseen footage of Dundee’s old Olympia Leisure Centre has been shared online, giving Dundonians a chance to revisit one of the city’s most popular landmarks.
The video, uploaded by local channel Hooly Dundee, which is run by local filmmaker Willie Hools captures rare scenes from both inside and outside the centre before it was demolished.
For many in Dundee, Olympia was a place of treasured memories – from family swims and diving sessions to school trips and lazy days by the pool.
Olympia drew in generations of visitors
Opened in 1974, the Olympia became one of Dundee’s best-loved attractions, drawing in generations of visitors.
It was famous for its wave machine, flumes and leisure facilities that made it a key part of growing up in the city. For decades, it stood as a hub for families and young people before eventually closing in 2013.
The footage offers a nostalgic look at the building as it once was, before demolition crews moved in to clear the site. Viewers can see not only the pool halls and facilities inside, but also the familiar exterior that once overlooked the Waterfront.
While the Olympia is now gone, replaced as part of the wider redevelopment of Dundee’s waterfront, the video is a reminder of the role the centre played in the city’s social life for nearly 40 years.
The site went on to be redeveloped, with the V&A Dundee eventually opening nearby in 2018, marking a new chapter for the area.
For many, however, it is the old Olympia – with its echoing pool halls and unforgettable slides – that lives on in memory. Thanks to this newly shared footage, those memories are now available for a new generation to see.
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