Imagine the echoes of laughter and splashing as we gather here at the Kennedy Town Swimming Pool Sitting-out Area. It is a place where memories are made. But have you ever wondered about the story behind this modern aquatic haven?
The Kennedy Town Swimming Pool wasn’t always here. The first pool opened in 1974 on Smithfield. It stood on the former site of the Kennedy Town cattle quarantine depot. The Royal Hong Kong Jockey Club funded the 7.5 million dollar facility.
Douglas Laing, a Jockey Club steward, unveiled a commemorative plaque at the opening. The Urban Council managed the pool, which was the first public pool in Western District. It had two 50-metre pools, a diving pool, a spectator stand, and children’s pools.
But progress has a price. The West Island line extension required a new terminus. Kennedy Town station was built at Smithfield. The original Kennedy Town Swimming Pool had to go.
So, a new Kennedy Town Swimming Pool complex arose near the waterfront. Farrells designed it. Paul Y. Engineering built it for an estimated 671 million dollars. This new complex includes two 50-metre pools. It also features a 25-metre training pool, a children’s pool, and a jacuzzi.
The futuristic design catches the eye. Zinc cladding and a translucent roof create a unique space. Natural light fills the indoor pool hall.
The new Kennedy Town Swimming Pool opened in two phases. The outdoor pools opened first in May 2011. The indoor pools followed in February 2017.
During the railway construction, the site became a shaft for removing underground spoil. After the railway opened in 2014, the second phase began. This added indoor pools and an outdoor garden.
The Kennedy Town Swimming Pool has gained recognition. It was featured in publications like Architects’ Journal and Archdaily. In 2016, it won the Large Project of the Year award from the UK’s Institution of Civil Engineers.
So, as we sit here in the Kennedy Town Swimming Pool Sitting-out Area, remember the journey. From cattle depot to a beloved swimming complex, it’s a story of change and progress. This space represents community, recreation, and architectural innovation in Kennedy Town.