EDO8287 - Westover Garage, rear of former Ice Rink, 29-36 Westover Road, Bournemouth; historic building recording (Level 3) 2024

OASIS: Project Methodology: Oxford Archaeology (OA) was commissioned by HCUK Group, acting on behalf of Maclaren (Westover) Limited, to carry out historic building recording at the former Westover Garage, located behind the former Ice Rink on Westover Road, Bournemouth. This inter-war structure, designed in a utilitarian style with Art Deco influences, was constructed as a garage and workshop and later served as a supporting facility for the adjacent Westover Ice Rink. Although not listed, the building is recognised as a non-designated heritage asset due to its local historical and architectural significance. The recording covered the building to the rear of the Gym on Westover Road. This building was constructed as a garage/workshop but includes subsidiary elements of an Ice Rink built against it (now the gym). The recording did not cover the main building which formed the Ice Rink, although photographs were taken of the front elevation to provide contextual recording. The building recording was undertaken at Level 3, as defined by Historic England in the guidance document Understanding Historic Buildings: A Guide to Good Recording Practice. The document states that: 'Level 3 is an analytical record and will comprise an introductory description followed by a systematic account of the building’s origins, development and use. The record will include an account of the evidence on which the analysis has been based, allowing the validity of the record to be re-examined in detail. It will also include all drawn and photographic records that may be required to illustrate the building’s appearance and structure and to support historical analysis. The information contained in the record will for the most part, have been obtained through an examination of the building itself. The documentary sources used are likely to be those which are most readily accessible, such as historic Ordnance Survey maps, trade directories and other published sources. The record may contain some discussion of the building’s broader stylistic or historical context and importance. It may form part of a wider survey of a number of buildings, which will aim at an overall synthesis, such as a thematic or regional publication, when the use of additional source material may be necessary, as well as a broader historical and architectural discussion of the buildings as a group. A Level 3 record may also be appropriate when the fabric of a building is under threat, but time or resources are insufficient to allow for detailed documentary research, or where the scope for such research is limited.' The site recording occurred on the 8th of October 2024 and consisted of three main elements: a drawn record, a descriptive, written record and a photographic record. The photographic record comprised a general record of the historic building in its current state. The recording included photos of the wider context of the buildings, general photographs of the exterior and interior and the roof space, as well as detailed pictures of features of archaeological details. This was followed by a photographic survey covering the interior, focusing on decorative details and the overall character of the principal spaces. The photographic recording of the building was carried out using a digital camera with up to 24-megapixel capability. All photographic records accompanied a photographic register. The interior was dark, so a flash was used in most internal images. Existing metric survey drawings (plans and elevations) were annotated to explain the building in terms of its construction, decoration, alteration and use. The annotation showed principal structural elements, features such as blocked openings, and evidence for former walls. The written record provided a detailed descriptive analysis of the building in terms of its function, history, phasing, evolution, significance, structure, construction and condition. The recording was informed by a historical research programme using cartographic sources, the principal secondary sources and primary sources at the local archives. Project Results: This report presents a detailed investigation and recording of the former Westover Garage, located behind the former Westover Ice Rink on Westover Road, Bournemouth. Constructed during the inter-war period, the building was originally designed as a garage and workshop and later adapted to house facilities supporting the Westover Ice Rink, which opened in 1931. The structure, although not formally listed, is recognised as a non-designated heritage asset due to its architectural and historical significance, reflecting Bournemouth’s evolution as a modern seaside resort. The period in which the Westover Garage was constructed represents a key moment in Bournemouth's history when the town transitioned from a Victorian health retreat to a vibrant leisure destination. The building’s design, which incorporates utilitarian steel and brick construction alongside Art Deco features, underscores the architectural trends of the 1920s and 1930s. Its role as both a garage and part of the ice rink highlights the rise of motoring culture and the integration of recreational facilities within urban environments during this period. The building is now in poor condition and it has undergone numerous alterations over the decades so that internally it retains relatively few historic features. Despite this it retains its original core structure, including the roof, as well as historic design features such as the main staircase and a car lift. These help illustrate the building’s historical function and character. The planned demolition of the building to make way for student accommodation will result in the loss of a structure that has contributed to the streetscape and cultural history of Bournemouth. However, this report, prepared in accordance with Historic England Level 3 guidelines, ensures that its architectural and historical narrative is preserved through detailed photographic, written, and drawn documentation. By recording the building’s features and historical context, the report serves to maintain its memory and significance for future generations. While the physical structure will be lost, opportunities remain to commemorate its history within the new development. Publicly accessible archives, interpretive displays, or the integration of design elements inspired by the original building could provide a lasting acknowledgement of its contribution to Bournemouth’s heritage. The story of the Westover Garage, tied to the development of leisure and motoring culture, remains a vital chapter in the town’s ongoing evolution, even as the site undergoes transformation.