Guernsey is deeply connected to the sea and is home to a rich maritime heritage that spans millennia. In 1844, Guernsey’s first sea-water bathing pool was constructed at La Valette, as the growing harbour of St Peter Port engulfed surrounding beaches previously used for bathing. Over the centuries the relentless coastal environment took their toll and the changing rooms (added in the 1930s) fell into disrepair.
In 2019, a not-for-profit charitable trust was founded to rejuvenate the pools, with a vision to return it to its former glory and create a vibrant destination for the community - a place to be shared by all. In 2021, The States of Guernsey committed £300K to the project with the remainder raised through community sponsorship, grants and donations.
The replacement building was designed to respond to the topography and exposure of the site - knitting itself into the rocky outcrop whilst introducing a formal and linear elevation to the pools. The existing building was stripped back and altered to offer modern accessible changing rooms to the lower level, linked by a covered changing and shower area that remains available when the building is closed. Above spans an exposed concrete structure accommodating a community café where bathers can warm up after a brisk swim – a space of quiet and calm, protected from the elements. The undulating timber waves soften the interior both visually and acoustically and connect the space to the rolling seas beyond.
The newly formed upper part of the site holds a lightweight glazed pavilion, with adjacent landscaped terracing offering spaces for events and community activities – affording panoramic views of the historic harbour and the neighbouring islands. Materials and structure were specified to offer robustness and rational simplification of the existing building, detailed to provide texture and rhythm within a constantly changing landscape. 100% recycled black plastic battens were used to clad the changing rooms - each board engraved with the names of those that provided their skills and sponsorship, as a subtle yet enduring thank you to all who contributed.
Today the pools are as popular as ever and have a renewed sense of purpose - offering a pastime accessible to all, with stepless access to all amenities. The lockdowns of 2020/21 saw a huge increase in the popularity of sea swimming on the island, as people sought to wash away their anxieties and catch up with friends, whilst seeking the mental and physical benefits of cold-water emersion.
As temporary custodians of this important heritage it is hoped that the rejuvenated facilities will allow the area to remain relevant and thriving for centuries to come - a legacy of those dedicated to the island community and the sea that connects us all.
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