Former Maindee Swimming Baths, Newport

Image: © Jaggery Taken: 1 Nov 2009

Located between Victoria Avenue and Albert Avenue, the Art Deco design of the building stands out among the Edwardian-era houses around it. Grade II listed status was awarded in 2003. Plans to open new swimming baths in Newport were first considered in 1933, and a number of sites were explored before this one was chosen. With good access to and from the town centre and close to Maindee shops, the site was considered ideal. With a fusion of generous curves and simple lines, the modernist influence of the early 20th century is clearly seen in the building, designed by Newport Borough architect C F Ward. This style was very much in vogue when the doors first opened on July 14, 1938. A popular venue for decades, by the start of the 21st century it had begun to show its age. In 2005, Newport City Council decided to close down the building as it would have cost over £2 million to update it to current-day standards.

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