IT WAS the scene of local scandal, the place where roller skating made its debut in Southampton, a popular snooker hall and finally the victim of the demolition bulldozer.

The Victoria Rooms, once close to Portland Terrace, were an echo of the city’s more sedate past – but in 1959 they came down to make way for the then new Inner Ring Road.

Today, with the development of the WestQuay shopping centre the area where the Victoria Rooms once stood has undergone dramatic change and nothing remains of the one-time popular venue.

Back in the 1930s the Victoria Rooms, named after Princess Victoria before she became queen, were still a centre for entertainment but latterly the premises were used by the old Southampton Gas Company.

In the 19th century a local history book described the Victoria Rooms as having “tastefully laid out pleasure gardens overlooking West Bay and the harbour” but at least one event staged there in 1872 was considered far from tasteful.

The Daily Echo of the time reported that two actors presented “entertainment of impersonations of female character”.

The evening caused a great consternation and the Daily Echo thundered: “We cannot too strongly disapprove and we consider it our duty to record our condemnation of such proceedings.”

However, the arrival of roller skating a few months later was an altogether different occasion.

“A great novelty in skating is about to be introduced to Southampton whereby this healthful recreation may be enjoyed, independently of the weather,” wrote the Daily Echo.

“The roller skates, the use of which will be explained at the Victoria Rooms, have caused quite a revolution and we shall not be surprised if the skating rink, as it is called, is numerously attended.”