STUBB'S GENTLEMEN'S BATHS
WITHERS STREET AND BEACONSFIELD PARADE ALBERT PARK, PORT PHILLIP CITY
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Statement of Significance
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STUBB'S GENTLEMEN'S BATHS - History
These baths were built around the same time as Kerferd Pier, with the Emerald Hill Baths being completed first, and baths added in 1890 opposite Armstrong St. These were still present in 1910. The complex appears to have been run by Messr Stubb's in 1891. These baths consisted of a single enclosure 700 ft long with a changing sheds built ¾ of the length out over the water, which were located at the end of Withers Street. An 1891 plan names this complex as Stubb's Gentlemen's Baths. The Open Bathing Sea Club was established in 1914, and was renamed the Albert Park Surf Club, which offered lifesaving classes. After a break during WWI, lifesaving clubs resumed training in this area.
STUBB'S GENTLEMEN'S BATHS - Interpretation of Site
No evidence of the former baths were located on land, although some bluestone boulders were discovered at the base of the seawall in front of the club, and it is unclear if they are associated with the former structure. A swimline search was conducted by three divers offshore over a sample area covering all three baths, and although some artefacts (beer bottles) from around the 1900's were located no structural remains were visible. Taylor (pers comms) has indicated that he has previously seen structural timbers, loose piles and nineteenth century bottles in this area in the late 1980's. It is therefore possible that sand movement in the area has buried any remains.
Part of the nineteenth century recreational landscape of Emerald Hill and Melbourne. The site and the remains show evidence of a recreation type (bathing) popular in the late 1800's. Sand movement may have buried artefact remains.
Heritage Inventory Description
STUBB'S GENTLEMEN'S BATHS - Heritage Inventory Description
The site is now occupied by the South Melbourne Life Saving Club, the base of which extends out from the Beaconsfield Road promenade over the beach. No evidence of the former baths were located on land, although some bluestone boulders were discovered at the base of the seawall in front of the club, and it is unclear if they are associated with the former structure.
Bottles, timbers, loose piles andother possible archaeological deposits associated with the site's former use.
Archeological Potential: Good
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HOTEL VICTORIAVictorian Heritage Register H0820
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ALBERT PARK PRIMARY SCHOOLVictorian Heritage Register H1629
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BILTMORE (ALBERT PARK)Victorian Heritage Register H0475
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