White Rock Baths

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General information
	1878-c2000
	White Rock
Location	Loading map...;

Interior of large pool

Opening in 1878, the baths were constructed by a limited company set up for that purpose; "THE HASTINGS AND ST. LEONARDS-ON-SEA PUBLIC BATHS AND AQUARIUM COMPANY (LIMITED). Capitalized at £30,000 in £10 shares."

The Council contributed £1500 to the construction costs on the understanding that the roof would be open to the public as a promenade. There was an initial reluctance by some to purchase shares because of doubts about the viability of the Aquarium. These were resolved when a special meeting agreed to proceed only with the baths.

Description of Baths as built

The Builder magazine carried the following report and plans;

PROPOSED HASTINGS AND ST. LEONARD'S PUBLIC BATHS AND AQUARIUM.
Mr. Thos. Brassey, M.P., has opened a portion of the building contemplated by the projectors of this establishment, — namely, the Baths. We give some illustrations, including a plan and description of the whole scheme.
The baths occupy the western portion of the site, and are to be approached by a double flight of steps leading to an open portico, on one side of which will be placed the entrance to the gentlemen's baths; that to the ladies’ being on the other. Between the two entrances will be a check-taker’s office.
On either side of the large open area will be placed the first-class private baths for the two sexes, four in number, each consisting of a bath room, with dressing-room and convenience attached. These will include every description of bath, — hot and cold, fresh and salt water, slipper, shower, douche, medicated, vapour, hot aid and various hydropathic packs and foments.
Besides these, six more private baths are provided on the gentlemen's side, and three on the ladies’, each having access to the swimming baths. These will be supplied with hot and cold, fresh and salt, water only.

Eastern Portion

Centre Portion

Western Portion

Construction and Opening

The foundation stone was laid by Sir Thos. Brassey, K.C.B., M.P., on Wednesday, June 28th, 1876, and the first portion of the building (the Gentlemen’s Swimming Bath) was opened by that gentleman on May 28th, 1878, and a second portion (the Ladies’ Swimming Bath) in 1879^[1]. The entrance to the baths was originally slightly to the east of the present day building, taking the form of a grand staircase down to the facilities with two large decorative urns either side and was directly opposite Palace Chambers.

Bandstand

In 1883 a lady resident of Saint Leonards offered to give £50 for the erection of an ornamental band stand, to be erected on the Baths. An application was made to the council by a Mr. Walter Liberty Vernon (1846-1914)|W. L. Vernon]], on behalf of the English Town Band for permission to place a band stand temporarily during the summer season, at a spot on the roof of the Baths, but the Council did not believe they had the authority to grant permission because, although they had the right to walk on it, the roof belonged to the Baths Company. Mr. Vernon was told to deal with was the Baths Company, and that if he could obtain their permission, and there was no objection raised by the householders opposite, they did not anticipate he would find any difficulty. The Roads Committee was informed that the people living opposite had been consulted, and had one and all given consent.

In 1896 the Corporation took over the control, management and repair of the Band Stand, agreeing to "keep the Band Stand in good and decorative, repair and condition, and not in any way to alter the same or the positions thereof without the consent of the Company and to pay the Company in respect of the said Band Stand the sum of 2s. 6d. on the 1st of January in every year; and to remove the same within one calendar month after notice in writing."

1898 Refurbishment

During 1898, the facilities at the baths were refurbished under the stewardship of Mr. Crosby. The facilities then included no fewer than three hot rooms, a 4½ foot deep sea-water plunge-pool, masssage and medicated electric therapy among other services, together with a chiropodist and hairdresser upon demand^[2]

Corporation Ownership

From June 1901 the Council maintained a liaison sub-committee, and in 1911 acquired from Lord Brassey his shares in the baths. Ownership passed to the Corporation in 1925, and a Special Committee was established, which became a full Committee from November 1929. From November 1936, for one year, the functions of this committee were transferred to the Entertainments Committee ^[3], but the Special Committee was re-established from November 1937. From November 1942 it was again merged in the Entertainments Committee. Between November 1947 and May 1954 the Baths were administered by the Baths and Foreshore Committee ^[4].

Chimney

Plan dating to 1960 showing cavern to rear of Salmons, 32-33 White Rock

A chimney was tunnelled under the road to behind the shops at White Rock, passing directly under Addisons, to prevent fumes etc from the boilers from being emitted at low level adjacent to the baths. The tunnel itself measured around 350 feet in length and is now believed to be flooded, although late in 2021 some urban explorers were investigating possible access^[5]. The chimney location is behind 32-33 White Rock - the premises occupied by Salmons stationers for a number of years. The chimney base can still be seen behind White Rock today.^[6]. At the time of the 1930s rebuild, there were a number of concerns about smoke from the chimney affecting the health of nearby residents; the furnaces burning anthracite^[7]

Other Plans

In 1912 plans were submitted to operate a cinema in the premises^[8]
A kiosk was erected on the roof of the baths in 1916^[9]

1930s Rebuild

The baths underwent a substantial re-build commencing in 1931 at a cost of £31,500. The council having purchased the lease in 1922, the baths being more than fifty years old and considerably dilapidated due to age. It was planned to carry out most of the works in the main pool area; extending the pool to be 165 feet long and thirty six feet and eight inches wide^[7].

Following the closure of the baths, in circa 2015 the facility was converted to the largest indoor skate park in the world - Source Park, with the conversion costing approximately £1.5 million