British Construction Industry Awards 2023
Place Making Initiative of the Year
This category recognises initiatives that have improved the final outcome of a project to create quality public spaces that enhance infrastructure to the level where people want to and enjoy using.
Winner
Jubilee Pool – ScottWhitby Studio
Judges’ comment “Takes a failing local amenity and turns it into a profitable and loved development”The people of Penzance raised a substantial amount of money to save and refurbish the town’s Jubilee Pool and one of the aims of the project was for it to be a gift to them.
The Grade-II listed structures were retained where possible, infilling between them in a modern interpretation of the low sweeping art deco design.
From the poolside, the design and materials choices relate to and enhance the nautical characteristics of its context.
The completed project includes the addition of a new multi-purpose community hall and an enlarged café, both opening onto a new public promenade.
The design team worked with local campaigners and residents to see how the pool could be operated in a sustainable manner – financially and environmentally.
This resulted in the decision to heat the pool using a geothermal well, making it the UK’s only heated seawater swimming pool and an attraction of national significance.
