A new pool for a new city

As well as being built for use in the British Empire and Commonwealth Games held in Cardiff in 1958, the Empire Pool also marked Cardiff’s new status (granted in 1955) as the Capital City of Wales. The new leisure building also represented the ending of the post-war austerity and the introduction of the first modernist public building in the city.

The design of the City Architect’s department was certainly influenced, directly or indirectly, by early 20th century continental public/industrial buildings. There is a striking resemblance between the Empire Pool and the 1908 A. E. G. Turbine factory, Berlin. The Empire Pool was a functional brick-clad reinforced-concrete and steel framed rectangular block with a barrel roof and rather severe front with a high slightly projecting, glazed central entrance bay.Internally, the pool had an ‘auditorium’ plan.

Stylish and modern

The long pool (originally 55 yards, later reduced to 50 metres) was flanked by tiered tip-up red and grey seats, with the diving boards at the north end. The capacity for 1772 spectators exceeded most covered entertainment venues of the time. Stairs at each end of the glazed foyer led to the first-floor changing rooms and the notable parquet-floored and chromium embellished second-floor cafe.

The Empire Pool and Cardiff Arms Park; both stylish public buildings were Cardiff’s favourite post-war buildings and formed and interesting ‘leisure’ group adjoin the distinctive transport buildings of the Central railway (1932-4) and bus stations built on the site of the 19th century terraces of Temperance Town.

The Empire pool and the Commonwealth Games, 1958

The Empire Pool was built for use during the Commonwealth Games, (known at the time as the British Empire and Commonwealth Games).  These games, held in July 1958, marked the biggest sporting event ever hosted by Wales to date. Cardiff had to wait 12 years longer than originally scheduled to become host of the Games, as the 1946 event was cancelled because of the Second World War. 35 countries were represented, with a significant amount of teams competing for the first time.

Wales won 11 medals, including 1 gold, 3 silver and 7 bronze. The gold medal winner was Howard Winstone (above) who won the men's bantamweight division for boxing; 2 silver medals were also won by Wales for boxing. Swimming and diving events were held at the new Empire pool; rowing on Lake Padarn, running and cycling at Maindy Stadium.

The other major event in Wales in 1958 was the National Eisteddfod held in August at Ebbw Vale. Ebbw Vale are hosting the Eisteddfod for the second time in 2010.

Chronology:

1956-8: Empire Pool constructed, designed by D. M. Davies

1958: Pool opened April 18th; Empire and Commonwealth Games start July 6th

1998: Pool closes on 8th May; demolished May/June

Story contributed by: RCAHMW