Page 121 - KBHA Bulletin 16

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However, these decisions appeared to stabilise and clarify the immediate future situation

and in 1929 the Council voted £25,000 for the construction of a new pavilion and pool
there and applied to the Provincial Administrator for permission. The site had been

approved by harbour engineer Col. G T Nicholson. Permission was granted in 1930 and
the Council signed an agreement with Eskom that would allow warm seawater to be run

in pipes from its Salt River power station to the new pool. In February 1932, at the urging
of the WP Amateur Swimming Association the size of the bath was increased to

competition standards of 55 yds x 33.5 yds to “make the baths the centre for all important

club competitions and galas.” (Mayor’s Minute, 1932: 57.) The buildings were designed
by the Architectural Branch of the City Engineer’s Department. The tender of Murray

and Stewart was accepted in May and the work got underway.

The inauguration of the Woodstock Bathing Pavilion by the Mayor took place on 12

August 1933. The Mayor’s Minute (1937:7) stated: it “ ….. incorporates every known
modern device for the comfort and convenience of bathers. Practically the whole

structure has been built in concrete so as to eliminate as much as possible the repairs and
maintenance so common to bathing establishments, and to make cleansing particularly

easy. The building has been raised purposely on the roadside to form a shelter against

south-east winds, …”

The pool was of the required dimensions with a depth of 3 ft 6 ins at the shallow end and
7 ft 3 ins at the deep end. A high diving tower with 5 boards at one (2), three (2) and five

metres had been provided, as well as a water-chute and cascade fountain. Water from the
power station reached the bath at a temperature of 72 F. As the bath held 505,000 gallons

and the power station could supply 2,000,000 gallons it was possible to change the water

four times every 16 hours. The grandstands around the bath accommodated
approximately 2,000 persons and below them were three large club rooms; 300 cubicles

(150 equal men and women) were provided in two blocks each with sun-bathing area. A

tea-room on the upper storey overlooked the swimming bath. Floodlighting made night
bathing possible. Outside the Pavilion the large parking area had a capacity for 200 cars.

(Figs. 3.31 – 3.34.)