Sunderland's 1938 health drive: New swim baths, sports centre plans revealed

It happened in 1938 at a time when Wearside knew there were troubles ahead but the town still had a need for new development.

Slums were demolished

A huge slum clearance programme was drawn up and there were proposals for a revamp for Seaburn as well as an extension for the Town Hall.

Many felt that the biggest need was for Wearside to improve its health. At the time, Sunderland’s death rate was higher than most.

To fight back, council chiefs came up with a plan for swimming baths, a sports arena, playing fields and facilities for indoor activities.

A croquet lawn for Sunderland

Croquet lawns and bowling greens were suggested and there was talk of a new sports centre in the East End, in the Pottery Buildings.

The Mayor of Sunderland at the time was Alderman G. Ford who said: “It is generally recognised that bodily fitness makes not only for national efficiency but personal happiness.”

He went into detail about the plans including a multi-purpose sports centre with a pool and gym, developing a campsite, organising keep-fit sessions and extending a gym in Tatham Street.

A fabulous swimming baths for Ford Estate

Monkwearmouth School and Ford Estate School were both in line for swimming pools and the council had plans to develop sports fields.

Three pavilions, four tennis courts, two rugby and three soccer grounds were planned for Grangetown, and there were calls for a specialist cycle track to be built in Sunderland.

Tell us about the new sporting and health facilities you would like to see in modern day Sunderland.

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