The Jubilee Pool was built in 1935 to commemorate the silver jubilee of King George V and is the largest of only five seawater lidos remaining in the UK. In 2014 the Grade II listed art deco pool was hit by a catastrophic storm which caused huge amounts of damage to the already underfunded and dilapidated complex, and the future of the lido looked very bleak indeed.
A renovation project was initiated in 2014 by Friends of the Jubilee Pool, a charity formed by a group of local people concerned that their much-loved pool was falling into disrepair. Government finance for the essential restoration work came via the Coastal Communities Fund, as well as a mix of local government bodies and community groups.
The scheme was led by Cornwall Council in partnership with Poynton Bradbury Winter Cole Architects and CORMAC Solutions Ltd, with support from Nomenca and Mott MacDonald. Work included securing the pool platform to the bedrock with rock anchors, stabilising and repairing changing rooms, paving and handrails, as well as upgrading the pools drainage system. The project also included a series of ramped and stepped interventions to provide the pool with inclusive access for the first time in it's history.
PBWC Architect's heritage experience and specialist conservation knowledge helped the project secure listed building consent for the works. After undertaking an extensive Heritage Impact Assessment to support negotiations with the planning authority we worked closely with the contractor during the construction phase to satisfy the conservation requirements of the local authority.
The pool is a remarkable facility providing safe seawater bathing for all ages; a unique modernist building of international architectural importance that has survived and been given a new lease of life thanks to the strength and affection of local people.
The renovated pool was officially opened by HRH the Prince of Wales in July 2016 to widespread media acclaim. It has now been transferred from the control of the Council to the Friends of Jubilee Pool who are responsible for its ongoing success.
