Grand Pavilion

Cadw's description

Location

On the seafront a little W of the town centre.

History

Built 1931-2 by E J E Moore with L G Mouchel as consultant engineers for the concrete dome, an important example of ferrous-concrete (Ferrocrete) work. Sponsored by Russell Mabley, elected Porthcawl's chief citizen 1931. Original plans held by Porthcawl Museum. Cost c £25,000. Formerly surrounded by Winter Gardens. Became centre for live entertainment and also conferences of South Wales miners. Lower promenade opposite, an addition to Brogden's Esplanade of 1877, opened 1935. Front open until 1995.

Exterior

Rendered, the dome of ferrous concrete. Plan of an octagonal central dome with entrance bays flanked by two loggia wings. Silver coloured dome tiered at base and divided into sections by flat ribs is surmounted by a weathervane; octagonal walls have wide segmental arched Diocletian windows on upper floor, double to sides; attached rear service wing with blind panels and a triglyph-derived motif. Added wings at sides and some alterations to windows. Attached at front is clock tower with two angled clock faces rising from a square plinth with relief lettering in moulded panels and date and an orb finial. Symmetrical main frontage is one storey high, the central section topped by a balustraded parapet ending in chunky moulded end piers on a moulded cornice; central below is a curved entrance bay flanked by pairs of tapered Tuscan columns on a plinth; matching curved concrete steps with terrazzo floor incorporating Porthcawl anchor motif lead to recessed replaced doorway with 30's style lettering in overlight. On either side of entrance are bays with deeply channelled render and heavy keystone over full length window with replaced glazing flanked by a second pair of columns. On either side are slightly recessed wide round headed arches, again deeply channelled with keystone and impost, leading to side entrances and stairs to lower level. Breaking forward on each side are the loggia wings comprising 5 pairs of columns, steps to replaced full length windows surmounted by entablature with triglyph derived frieze and plain parapet. The end bays on each side form an elaborate archway leading to former Winter Gardens comprising pairs of columns on a plinth supporting an entablature on each side of a central recessed archway of 2 orders with a deep stepped flat topped pediment, all with heavy channelling of voussoirs and masonry joints.

Interior

Interior although substantially refurbished retains much of its original plan. Central hall has a tent-like roof, balcony with moulded front, stage with some decorative plaster mouldings to surround and wall, sprung floor.

Reason for designation

Included as an important seafront building retaining much of its original character and reflecting Porthcawl's development as a major South Wales sea-side resort after the closure of the docks in 1906; also for its importance in its use of ferrous concrete.