Survey reveals damage to Halifax Swimming Pool’s mosaic, potentially limiting preservation to digital images.
The pool closed during the pandemic because the council thinks the building is too old. They are building a new leisure center that will cost £35 million near North Bridge.
They will tear down the current center. Some wanted to save the mosaic, but an expert surveyed it. The expert discovered damage to the mosaic. It may only survive as a photo.
Sue Holdsworth asked about the mosaic and spoke at a council meeting. She is a councillor for Greetland and Stainland. The mosaic is “British Pond Life”.
It appears in architecture guides, and Historic England mentions it too. It’s still on a register of at-risk art. People saw it since the pool opened in 1966.
Holdsworth wants the art to remain accessible and not lost during demolition. Danielle Durrans, who is in charge of public services, responded to her question, stating that a specialist checked the mural.
The survey found cracks in many tiles, and one large part was replaced. It would be impossible to move without damage. However, digital images might get used.
The new leisure center might use images, and color schemes could take inspiration from the mosaic. Some think the old pool could have been fixed, while others agreed it was beyond repair.