FORMER MELBOURNE CORPORATION BATHS

The site contains the archaeological potential to contain deposits, features and artefacts associated with the former Melbourne Free Corporation Baths (1872-1935) situated along the Yarra Bank Road, later Batman Avenue (renamed 1913), and now Birrarung Marr Park. 

The Corporation Baths and the later redevelopment of the site into the Centenary Olympic Pool (Beaurepaire Pool) and the State Swimming Centre are historically and socially significant to the State of Victoria (Criterion A). The site has additional significance due to its association with Sir Frank Beaurepaire who fostered the building of municipal pools throughout the state and used the Olympic Pool as a venue for training instructors and swimmers as part of his ‘Learn to Swim’ campaign (Criterion H). Following the demolition of the State Swimming Centre in the late 1990’s the site was extensively remodelled into the present day Birraung Marr Park. The high degree of disturbance from development activity has significantly compromised the sites archaeological integrity but there exists the possibility that archaeological remains might survive in the form of structural remnants and related artefact deposits (Criterion C).

The former Corporation Baths and Centenary Olympic Pool along the northern banks of the Yarra, now Birrarung Marr Park, are both historically and socially significant as they chart the development of bathing facilities in Melbourne from a mid-19th century riverside swimming spot into an inter-war, municipal funded pool to an internationally important swimming venue (Criterion A). The pool’s physical development over its 100 year plus operational history is also indicative of the local authority’s evolving attitude to aquatic facilities from managing hygiene and moral concerns into the provision of a community amenity for recreational and sporting purposes. The site is also important for its association with Olympic hero and Public Representative with Sir Frank Beaurepaire (1891–1956), who gave a lifetimes service to promoting safe swimming and was instrumental in bringing the 1956 Games to Melbourne (Criterion H). Any archaeological finds or features associated with the late 19th century Corporation Baths would be of significance in providing insight into the construction and operation of this early Municipally funded facility (Criterion C).