Aggregate Industries has helped reopen one of Europe’s few remaining saltwater lidos, in a £3 million restoration scheme for the Jubilee Pool in Penzance.
The project was part of an effort by the community and local government to restore the cherished bathing spot, which originally opened in 1935 the year of King George Vs Silver Jubilee.
The repair and restoration was in response to the serious structural damage suffered in the storms of 2014, which battered the Cornish coastline.
The location of the project demanded specialised design requirements, as being a saltwater tidal pool meant there was a high risk of corrosion to the concrete reinforcement. The restoration required a blue coloured swimming pool base to be constructed with a blue pigmented concrete, which had to also comply with an XS2 exposure class – this defines the concrete design requirements to ensure durability for the intended design life.
However, due to the soaring cost of the required blue pigment, Aggregate Industries worked closely with the main contractor, CORMAC Contracting, to propose a more cost-effective solution using a coloured surface hardener in conjunction with a lightened base concrete.
Andrew Wilson, Territory Sales Manager at Aggregate Industries, explained: “We collaborated with the colour surface hardener supplier to provide a bespoke concrete that not only met the XS2 exposure class but the unique requirements of the project.
“The product of choice was a bespoke mix of Artevia Light concrete which not only complied with the exposure class and achieved the high durability requirements but also provided a lightened concrete for the installation of the colour surface hardener. This high performance formula, coupled with a light concrete design to ensure consistency of colour, means the pool not only looks visually appealing but will stand the test of time. In all, we supplied a total of 492m³, which was produced by the Redruth plant.
“Jubilee Pool is an important fixture in the local community and has long been a focal point where people can gather and socialise, and families can enjoy a fun day out. We were delighted to play our part in refurbishing the pool to give it a new lease on life. Combined with its aesthetic appeal, Artevia Light was the ideal solution in terms of design, durability and cost.”
The Jubilee Pool repair and restoration project totalled £2.94m. The Coastal Communities Fund granted Cornwall Council £1.95m and match funding was provided by Cornwall Council, Cornwall & Isles of Scilly Local Enterprise Partnership’s Regional Growth Fund, Tempus Leisure, Penzance Town Council and The Friends of Jubilee Pool.
CORMAC Contracting was awarded the contract to repair and refurbish Jubilee Pool, with D Wall Construction Services as its sub-contractor.
