The Marina Bathing Pool, Ramsgate

J.H. Somerset was commissioned as architect for the Marina Pool by Tomson and Wotton Brewery Limited.  W.J. Martin Tomson, chairman of the company, had a keen interest in modern architecture and was instrumental in the decision to build the Marina Pool. He had built a futuristic Prospect Inn at Minster and commissioned Oliver Hill to design a modern wing for his home "Lerryn" at Broadstairs (now Lerryn Gardens).

In addition to an Olympic-sized swimming pool the complex contained a diving pool, boating lake, changing facilities for 1000 men and 600 women, cafe, roof top car park, later a skating rink and access to the Eastern Undercliff. The pool was one of the largest in the country 250 feet by 90 feet and varied in depth from 2 feet 6 inches to 15 feet at the diving pool. A filtration system for the sea water was incorporated within the outer wall of the pool and a reserve seawater tank was built in case needed at low tide. A diving tower constructed of concrete with a marked diving area and marked regulation sized water polo pitch. The changing areas had steel cubicles and wire clothing racks for outer clothing and belongings.

The main contractor, W. & C. French Ltd. of Buckhurst Hill, Essex started work in December 1934, employing the Hennebique system of concrete construction. A concrete mixing plant was built on the site capable of producing enough concrete to allow a workforce of over 200 to work in shifts 24 hours a day, six days a week. They completed the project in the summer of 1935 and the pool was officially opened on 27th July 1935 by the Mayor of Ramsgate.

 The pool closed at the end of the 1975 season when serious structural faults were discovered in the floor of the pool which would have cost an estimated £63,000 to rectify. The decision was made not to re-open for the 1976 season.

Reference : Ramsgate Historical Society