SWIMMING POOL COMPLEX
Penshurst-Byaduk Road BYADUK, Southern Grampians Shire
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Statement of Significance
The Byaduk Swimming Pool, located on the Penshurst-Byaduk Road is a concrete swimming pool constructed by a committee of local people in the 1930s. It was the first swimming pool ever constructed in the Shire of Southern Grampians, and at the time was considered to be quite an engineering feat. The creek nearby was diverted and dammed and used to fill and clean the pool be moving through it, and the whole structure was dug by hand. People came from long distances, and sometimes from larger towns such as Hamilton to use the pool. The Pool is no longer used, but provided a focus for entertainment to the children and families of the district every Summer for over 50 years. The Byaduk Swimming Pool complex consists of an inground concrete swimming pool with timber diving board, separate male and female changing rooms, an covered seating area, and a kiosk. No architect, engineer or specific builder was used in the construction of the structure. The pool is remarkably intact, despite being overgrown and weed infested.
How is it significant?
The Byaduk Swimming Pool complex is of architectural, historical and social significance to the Southern Grampians Shire.
Why is it significant?
The Byaduk Swimming Pool complex is architecturally significant as a rare intact example of a rural swimming pool complex designed the early 1930s. It is of further architectural significance as an excellent example of a hand dug swimming pool, and for its use of engineering intelligence, which diverted the local creek through the strucutre to both fill and clean it. The pool is of historical significance as an example of a small community co-operating to build a substantial structure for the benefit of all in the community. Of further historical significance is the pool's representation of the social movement toward health and wellbeing, popular in the late 1920s and early 1930s. It is socially significant as an important meeting place for the Byaduk community for over fifty years.
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SWIMMING POOL COMPLEX - Physical Conditions
The swimming pool has been empty for many years, and weeds and debris have collected on the floor of the structure. There is minor evidence of deterioration of the surface. The change rooms, kiosk and shelter shed are in very good condition. The site is being used to graze sheep at present. The condition of the buildings in the complex is remarkably good, considering their age and lack of maintenance.
SWIMMING POOL COMPLEX - Physical Description 1
The Byaduk Swimming Pool complex is located on low lying land on the north bank of Scotts Creek, some 50 metres north of the Byaduk-Penshurst road, and about 400 metres east of the Hamilton-Port Fairy Road intersection. The pool complex is accessed by crossing the old bluestone and timber mill bridge over Scotts Creek.
The complex consists of an inground concrete swimming pool with timber diving board, separate male and female changing rooms, an covered seating area, and a kiosk. The pool appears to have been constructed in situ using concrete formwork. There are no tiles on the pool surface, which has been painted aqua blue. The timber diving board appears to be a 'vernacular' construction, mounted on a timber frame with a concrete fulcrum. The changing rooms are built of timber frames with corrugated iron walls and roof. The iron cladding of the walls does not continue into the gable of the building, permitting ample ventilation. Inside, there are hooks for hanging clothes, and a wooden bench running around the perimeter of the walls. The covered seating area has wooden benches and a corrugated iron roof. The kiosk is built of timber and corrugated iron.SWIMMING POOL COMPLEX - Historical Australian Themes
3.14 Developing an Australian engineering and construction industry
3.14.1 Building to suit Australian conditions
3.14.2 Using Australian materials in construction
3.23 Catering for tourists
Theme 8: Developing Australia's cultural life
8.1 Organising recreation
8.5 Forming associations
8.14 Living in country and rural settlements
8.5.4 Pursuing common leisure interestsSWIMMING POOL COMPLEX - Usage/Former Usage
Abandoned
SWIMMING POOL COMPLEX - Integrity
Excellent degree of integrity
Heritage Study and Grading
Southern Grampians - Southern Grampians Shire Heritage Study
Author: Timothy Hubbard P/L, Annabel Neylon
Year: 2002
Grading:
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