Collie Swimming Pool

Statement of Significance

Mine Workers Memorial Olympic Pool, 87 Throssell Street, Collie, a public swimming pool with buildings constructed in 1964 in the Post War International style has considerable cultural heritage significance. It is a good example of the Post War International style of architecture and provides a positive contribution to the streetscape of Collie. It has social and historic value as its construction was largely funded by the Mineworkers’ Welfare Board and it continues to provide a social and recreation focus for the community of Collie. The pool has scientific significance as the first ‘metric’ pool in Western Australia. The new pool buildings at the south-west and south-east of the site do not have any heritage significance.

Physical Description

The original pool entrance is built in the Post War International style of architecture, featuring a low flat roofed building in a functional style. It is set high above the street on a high face brick foundation, and set at an angle to the street with wide concrete steps leading up to the entry.

History

The Mineworkers’ Memorial Olympic Pool is located on the site of the former Mechanics Institute and Bow Cinema. Construction of the Mineworkers’ Memorial Olympic Pool was commenced in February1964 and completed later that year in time to be opened by the Governor, Sir Douglas Kendrew on 14 November. Construction cost more than £40,000 with £30,000 contributed by the Mineworkers’ Welfare Board. The main pool comprises eight lanes and is 164ft, 2in long and 60ft wide, varying in depth from 3ft 6in to 5ft 6in and 11ft in the diving area. The learners’ pool is 15ft by 25ft and from 2ft to 2ft 6in in depth. The toddlers’ pool is 9ins deep and measures 25ft by 20ft. Change rooms are located in the south west corner of the site. The ladies’ section contained 5 toilets, 6 showers and 2 hand basins whilst the men’s section contained 2 toilets, 4 stalls, 6 showers and 2 hand basins. Each half measured 22ft by 31 ft and 8ft high. A kiosk was constructed at the entrance in the north west corner of the site measuring 8ft by 37ft by 20ft with an 8ft by 37ft overhang to provide shade. The kiosk/entrance block contained an office, storeroom and shop. Entrance to the pool complex was via a flight of twelve 2ft wide steps in two stages, separated by a landing. The pool was constructed by Consolidated Constructions, designed and supervised by John Baron-Hay. Mr Baron-Hay considered the Collie Mineworkers’ Memorial Olympic Pool to be ‘equal to any country pool in the state and better than most’ with a number of unique features: it was the first ‘metric’ pool in the state; attractive tiling; impressive single column diving towers; up-to-date filtration systems; solid rather than slabbed concourse; stainless steel fittings and non-slip finishes to walls and surrounding concrete. The Collie Mail of 12 November reported that construction foreman Fred Krapp gained his first pool construction experience working on a pool constructed for Adolph Hitler in his home town of Linz, Austria in 1939. Mr Krapp moved to Australia with his family in 1951. As the only metric swimming pool in the State, it was considered that the Collie Mineworkers’ Memorial Olympic Pool would provide a drawcard to swimmers attempting state records. Over 2000 people attended the pool in the first two days following its opening. Opening hours were: Monday to Friday – 9am-12 noon; 1pm-6pm and 7pm to 9pm and Saturday and Sunday – 8am-12 noon; 2pm-6pm and 7pm-9pm. (Collie Mail 19 November 1964 p1). Mr Maurice Dhue, Shire of Collie Council employee of over 30 years advised that there had been some initial controversy regarding the Sunday opening hours and people were going to the pool rather than to church! From 2014 the Collie Mineworkers Olympic Pool underwent a major renovation which included a complete refurbishment of the 50m pool, construction of a new leisure pool for children, a bbq area and landscaping. A new entry building accessed via Wittenoom Street has been constructed. The original entrance building has been retained. The renovated pool was reopened on 11 October 2015.

Integrity/Authenticity

High/ Medium-High

Condition

Good

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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