Claremont’s history found at the foreshore
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In late December, two wooden pylons were unearthed during excavation works, believed to be from the Claremont Baths which were open from 1902-1971.
The pylons are being housed in the gardens at the Freshwater Bay Museum, under hessian wraps to assist with conservation.
Museum staff are now undertaking measurements and photographs of the pylons to add to the Town’s archives. The Freshwater Bay Museum are preserving the pylons until a decision of the most viable outcome for the pylons is made by Council.
Mayor Jock Barker said full conservation work and permanent storage of the pylons would cost the Council $25,000.
“The natural drying out of waterlogged timber will lose up to 70% of its mass and cause cracking and damage,” Mayor Barker said. “This renders the pylons unsuitable for structural purposes such as use in park benches, or bollards.”
“Another option is to undergo a fungal treatment and allow the pylons to dry slowly and naturally.
“This will allow them to be incorporated into a public art work which could represent the significant role the Baths played in the Claremont Community.”
The Claremont Baths were closed in 1972 after engineers deemed the deteriorating structure as unsound. Back To News Stories