The Wales Empire Pool, Cardiff.

Abstract

Consulting Engineer, Oscar F a k r and PartnersFor discussion at an Ordinary Meeiing on Tuesday, 5 December, 1961, at 5.30 p m . , and for subsequent wriiten discussion HISTORY THE Cardiff City Council decided in 1954 to erect a covered swimming pool in the central area of the city in order to remedy the deficiency in modern swimming facilities which, at that time, consisted of two open-air pools and a large but outmoded closed pool constructed towards the end of the last century.2. They were handicapped at that time by the rigorous restriction imposed on local government capital expenditure but the decision to hold the 1958 Empire Games at Cardiff emphasized the need for a swimming pool of international dimensions and the policy was adopted of providing one central comprehensive pool, instead of the five district pools which had been provided for in the city's development plan. It was, therefore, decided that the opportunity should be taken to provide modern baths adequate not only to meet the exacting requirements of the games but also to correct the existing deficiency.3. The dual purpose provided a sufficiently cogent case to justify loan sanction from the Ministry of Housing and Local Government for the expenditure.4. The contract was let at the end of 1956 and completed (except for the Turkish baths) in time for the games in July 1958. Site5. The building is situated in the centre of the city near the general railway station and central bus station. The site is part of the Wood Street pre-war slum-clearance area and adjoins the River Taff.6. The site, at 27 O.D., is practically level, but subject to a variable watertable from the adjacent tidal river, which has a high-water level only 1 ft below ground level.7. The three-storey building covers an area 230 ft X 172 ft, the pool itself being 165 ft X 60 ft. It is 3 ft deep at the shallow end and 16 ft deep under the diving stage, which comprises two l-m spring-boards, two 3-m spring-boards, 29 321 Downloaded by [ Swinburne University] on [11/09/16].