The New Pier Pavilion Colwyn Bay
THE NEW PIER PAVILION, COLWYN BAY This new pavilion takes the place of one which was destroyed by fire last year, as also was its predecessor. Particular precautions have therefore been taken to make the new building entirely fireproof, and the construction has also been designed to give extreme lightness with protection from very severe weather. This has been effected by a light steel structure, rigidly framed and latticed, the walls and the ceiling being completed over the main iron skeleton by the use of expanded metal lathing on a steel framing. Great care has been exercised in the choice and application of materials so as to compensate in some measure for expansion and contraction. The outside cavity walls are finished on the weather side with coloured cement; on the inner side expanded metal lathing and expansion rods are finished with pumice-stone concrete, the lightness of pumice in comparison with more customary aggregates having weighed with the designers. For the purpose of wall decoration plaster work has been specially treated.
The verandahs are a prominent feature. There is ample projection to meet weather conditions, and, supported by cantilevered steelwork from the main structure, this eliminating support from the deck level, they are without the heaviness so often to be noticed in this type of construction. Asbestos sheeting, supported direct upon the steelwork, makes the main roof absolutely fireproof: the flat roofs of an improved type of reinforced steel decking have the same high fire resisting qualities, while all the windows, doors, and other interior fittings are of metal. The "lay-light" in the ceiling of the auditorium - 30 feet by 12 feet - is entirely suspended from the steel trusses. The maple floors are protected against fire by layers of thick asbestos sheeting. Lavatories, kitchen, store rooms etc., are finished in terrazzo and granolithic paving on expanded metal.
Lighting and heating have had particular care and attention, the electrical equipment being housed in iron boxes, with the wiring enclosed in galvanised screwed steel tubing, so that there is no risk either of fire or failure of installation. The stage switchboard is fitted with the latest devices for colour control and dimming, and there is provision for flood lighting the exterior of the building. To guard against the possibility of a check of the main electrical supply, there is an auxiliary lighting system connected to storage batteries. Current will be automatically released to pilot lights if for any reason the main supply fails. The special heating arrangements consist of two modern gas fired boilers, from which hot water is circulated through radiators. Many of the pipes are arranged under the pier; others are run alongside the steel roof principals with a view to heating, without obtrusiveness, the upper portion of the hall and preventing downdraughts. An electrically driven accelerator assists the circulation of water.
The design for the auditorium, by Mary Adshead (daughter of Professor Adshead), and carried out under her supervision, suggests a tent or marquee supported by ornamental poles and ropes, and decorated with a number of abstract motifs derived from musical instruments and nautical emblems. The colour scheme is grey and white, with some scarlet and yellow, the dado being vivid emerald green in a scarlet and yellow reticulation. The roof trusses are painted white with red lines to harmonise with the design. The proscenium, the doors flanking the proscenium, and the windows are curtained with mole velvet. The doors opposite the proscenium are curtained with green velvet to carry through the scheme of the green dado. Metal frame canvas seats help to convey the idea of a grand tent or marquee. Mr Eric Ravilious strikes an original note in the decoration of the tea-room. The theme represents a scene on the bed of the ocean. Pink and green seaweeds float through the ruins of a submerged palace.
The auditorium, which has accommodation for between 700 and 750 people, is equipped with a stage suitable for concert work and light theatrical programmes and has also a floor specially sprung for dancing. Generally this building gives the impression of striking exactly the right note in the architecture of pleasure. There is a stimulating gaiety about exterior and interior and there was much wisdom in placing the main facade West, where it commands the town and bay in just defiance of two unfortunate precedents. The building was designed by Professor Adshead in collaboration with Mr. Dunning, the Engineer to the Council, who undertook the entire superintendence of its erection.
THE NEW COLWYN BAY PIER PAVILION - Except that a slight alteration has been made in the design of the turrets flanking the main entrance, this is an illustration of the new pier pavilion as it will be constructed at Colwyn Bay. The building will include a concert and dance hall. It will accommodate 650 people and will be built of fireproof materials on a concrete foundation. A small stage will be provided for concerts and meetings. A café and bar, the café extending at will into the main hall, or alternatively on to one of the pier bays, so that refreshments may be served in the open air, are features of the accommodation. The main entrance will face the Rhos-on-Sea end of the bay and the café will face south to the promenade. Special lighting arrangements and decorative effects are contemplated. The architect is Mr W J Dunning, surveyor to the Colwyn Bay Council, in collaboration with Professor Adshead, who is designing the large conference and entertainment hall in the centre of the town, plans of which will come before the Council today. [Manchester Guardian 19 September 1933 Page 10]
Reference Manchester Guardian 19 September 1933 Page 10 with illustration
Reference The Architect & Building News 1 June 1934