Plans to demolish 'at risk' swimming pool mural

The mural was open to the public in 1966

A mosaic by one of the 20th Century's most celebrated ceramic artists is likely to be demolished after warnings that moving it will cause more damage.

The work by Kenneth Barden - entitled British Pond Life - decorated part of the wall of the now-closed Halifax Swimming Pool on Skircoat Road.

It was closed in 2020 due to the Covid pandemic and was damaged significantly by cold, including to the pool hall walls and interior tiles, and Calderdale Council now deems the building to be at the end of its life.

A new pool is planned as part of the council's £35m leisure centre, which is to be built across town at North Bridge after the existing leisure centre is demolished.

Councillors have been told that the mosaic, which is already damaged, would not survive a move so it is only likely to be reproduced in digital form, said the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Councillor Sue Holdsworth, who represents Greetland and Stainland, asked in a full Calderdale Council meeting if members agreed "this important artwork should remain accessible to all and not be lost in any demolition or redevelopment of the former swimming pool building".

She said the mosaic was referred to in the Pevsner Architectural Guide and in Historic England's publication Introduction To Heritage Assets which focuses on post-war public art.

Councillor Sue Holdsworth said the mural was on an "at risk" register

Danielle Durrans, cabinet member for public services and communities, said a conservation consultant's survey of the mural had identified stress cracking to numerous tiles and said it would not be possible to remove it without further damage.

'Extremely concerned'

However, images of the work might be utilised in the new centre's designs, she added.

"Consequently, digital images of the murals have been captured and are now available for future use as part of the Halifax leisure project and design options are being explored to utilise these images and colour palettes within the scheme."

The Twentieth Century Society (C20 Society), which campaigns to save 20th Century buildings from demolition, has previously submitted a listing application to safeguard the swimming pool.

Oli Marshall, the society's campaigns director, said it was "extremely concerned" about the plans.

"We'd question the conclusion of the consultants commissioned by Calderdale Council, that the Halifax Pool murals cannot be moved to another location.

"We have a requested a copy of this report for closer scrutiny, and offered our support and expertise in helping to find a solution.

"These murals are an integral part of Halifax's social and artistic heritage that simply must be saved."

Contracts are being finalised to allow work to start on demolishing North Bridge Leisure Centre at Halifax and replace it with a new one on the site.

Amid spiralling costs – originally £28m – the project was paused for a year before Calderdale Council could commit to going ahead after revisions, redesign and new costings.

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