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Eastern Beach Complex

Location Eastern Beach Reserve,, GEELONG VIC 3220 - Property No B6349 File Number B6349 Level State

[1/1] B6349 Eastern Beach Complex

Statement of Significance

The Eastern Beach bathing complex and environs are of State significance because of their unique circular plan forms and high integrity to the original planning concept. Conceptually designed in 1927 by the architects Hare & Hare and completed for Geelong City Council in 1939, it was designed in detail under the supervision of the Geelong City Engineer, ian McDonald. It is close to its original form today and includes landscape elements both from its creation date and earlier street planting (elms) as a clear representation of two phases of the area's history. Its construction which reflected increasing interest in aquatic outdoor recreation also provided unemployment relief during the 1920s and the whole complex became an object of immense city pride once complete.
It is an innovative adaption ot the traditional 19th century public bathing complexes, in general, and the fenced public bathing enclosure which formerly occupied this site. The complex has added historical significance because it perpetuates the imagery of what has been a long term and popular bathing place for residents of Geelong and region. It is perhaps the last public sea-bathing enclosure to be completed(Middle Brighton reconstructed in 1936 and 1986) after the superseding of this type of structure by the construction of in-ground municipal pools often located some distance from the sea.
Elements not included are the new interlocking concrete pavers to the terrace area, new and unrelated play equipment, and the brick lower fountain base.
Classified: 06/07/1992