Penzance pool restoration voted public’s favourite civil engineering project

The restoration of Jubilee Pool, a Grade II listed saltwater lido in Penzance, has been voted the UK public’s favourite civil engineering project in the Institution of Civil Engineers’ (ICE) annual People’s Choice Award. 

Jubilee Pool is the largest seawater swimming pool in the UK and one of the last of its kind in Europe. Since reopening in 2016, the pool has attracted over 100,000 visitors, boosting the local tourism industry and economy. Originally built in 1935, it has been extensively repaired and updated following a two-year £3m restoration. The work has preserved a key landmark of national historical importance, giving it a new lease of life. 

The restoration saw off competition from 11 other projects across the UK for the award. All projects nominated were chosen to showcase the significant contribution civil engineering makes to the local community and landscape.

Wendy Blundell, director of UK regions at the ICE, said: “Projects like the Jubilee Pool restoration project underline how civil engineers directly transform people’s lives and safeguard the future for their families. We were delighted with the public’s enthusiasm for the ICE People’s Choice Award, with over 15,000 votes cast across the country. As the ICE prepares to celebrate its 200th anniversary in 2018, we aim to continue raising public recognition for civil engineering and the significant positive impact it has on people’s quality of life.”

Martin Nixon, chair of friends of Jubilee Pool, said: “We're thrilled the pool has been recognised in this way. It’s a very popular community owned asset, making a significant contribution to Penzance's economy by attracting visitors to our beautiful town.”

The pool is the second seaside community project to win big this year following Hastings Pier’s success in winning the prestigious Sterling Award.