Officially opened on 14 July 1938 by the Mayor of Newport, Alderman Mrs Hart, the Maindee Baths were the finest example of art deco swimming baths anywhere in Wales. The cost of construction was £40,000. The three-storey entrance faced onto Victoria Avenue and was immediately recognisable as being of art deco styling. Internally, the baths featured a terrazzo floor in the entrance hall, art deco bowl lights and lamps with metal stands comprising female figures holding orbs, and an imperial-type staircase which ascended to the upper floor and observation balconies. The swimming pool itself had a striking roof featuring seven tapering concerete arches rising from the side balconies. In addition to the main pool, there was also a small learners' pool. The Maindee Baths were closed by Newport County Borough Council in 2005 and subsequently sold. Two devastating internal fires have wiped away much of the internal fixtures and fittings and the building now stands largely derelict.
