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Heritage at Risk(v1.0)
Rock Pool 165-167 Central Promenade, Newcastle, Co. Down BT33


HB Ref No:
HB18/14/038

Address
Rock Pool 165-167 Central Promenade, Newcastle, Co. Down BT33

Townland:
Ballaghbeg

Status:
Currently at Risk

Listing Grade:
B2


HARNI Number:
HARNI 18/14/002

Conservation Area:
No

Condition:
Poor

Industrial Archeology:
No

Occupancy:
Vacant

Vernacular:
No

Degree of Risk:
High

Thatched:
No

Availability:
Freehold

Monument:
Yes

Current Building Use:
Public Baths

Derelict:
No


Description

The Rock Pool, located at the south end of Central Promenade, Newcastle, was constructed c.1932 as a seawater swimming pool intended to provide enhanced leisure and sporting facilities at the popular seaside resort. The pool employs relatively simple construction techniques, in mass concrete built off the natural rock shore, and is filled by the twice-daily tidal flow, with back-up pump. It is thought to be unique in the context of Ulster, and is of considerable social value, reflective of a more relaxed, liberated and family-friendly approach to seaside leisure activities, an increased interest in physical fitness, and the increasing popularity of swimming during the inter-war years. The structure was added to the Heritage at Risk Register in 2024 and is noted to be in a poor condition. There has been reports that it could take as much as £7million to restore the structure. Examples of how these structures have been brought back into use do exist across the UK and there are a range of public benefits that its restoration would bring. When reviewed in 2025 there were signs of decay to the mass concrete walling of the structure.