Jubilee Pool

The community refurbishment and restoration of a Grade II listed Art Deco saltwater bathing pool in Penzance, Cornwall.

Client

Jubilee Pool Penzance Ltd
Architect

Scott Whitby Studio
Photography

Jim Stephenson
Completion

2022

In 2017, the pool was earmarked for improvements that would ensure the pool and its facilities could operate as a year-round visitor attraction. The pool is the largest of five seawater lidos remaining in the UK and the first to be upgraded with a geothermal borehole, which provides a natural and low-energy method of heating the water.

Our team worked with Scott Whitby Studio to complete Phase 1 of the project, which delivered a new café and restaurant alongside a suite of community and therapy spaces that now has tied in with the pool’s long term plan to use geothermal energy to create a warm thermal bathing facility.

The triangular site is framed by a series of Art Deco buildings which are infilled with new high-performance glazed extensions. Bi-fold doors allow the buildings to open up to the public promenade, allowing them to be used for various community events and activities. A sculpted roof structure – a timber stressed skin formed from a series of layers – unites the scheme with an undulating form facing the street.

Awards

2024

RIBA South West Awards

Winner
2023

BCI Awards

Place Making Initiative of the Year

Winner
2023

BCI Awards

Overall Project of the Year

Winner
2023

BCI Awards

Cultural & Leisure Project of the Year

Winner
2023

AJ Retrofit Awards

Health and Community

Shortlisted
2023

MacEwan Awards

Winner
2022

Dezeen Awards

Rebirth Project

Winner
2022

Dezeen Awards

Public Vote

Winner
2022

AJ Architecture Awards

Community and Faith Project

Shortlisted