SCOTLAND’S largest local authority has agreed a £500,000 funding award to support plans to restore an Edwardian public bathhouse.
The grant, awarded by Glasgow City Council to Govanhill Baths Community Trust, will go towards a £6.68 million proposal to re-open the former ladies’ and learner pools at the south side facility. It is hoped the decision will lead to further financial backing from other groups.
If the trust achieves its £6.68m target, it will be able to complete Phase 1B of their restoration of the baths built in 1917.
As well as opening the two smaller pools at the baths, the plan involves ensuring the building is wind and watertight. The proposal will also include the opening of other facilities such as a Turkish spa, a gymnasium, a community kitchen and an events and arts space. Re-opening the main swimming pool remains the longer-term goal of the trust which has been fighting to keep the facility open since 2001.
Councillor Kenny McLean, city convener for neighbourhoods, housing and public realm, said: “A huge amount of progress has been made with the business case for Govanhill Baths as a long-term project.”
The baths were closed in 2001 as the former Labour-run authority said they were not being used enough. In 2002, one of the pools was re-opened and used in a National Theatre production, Lifeguard.The baths have since been used for theatre music and arts events, and also as a wedding venue.
The trust’s fundraising has been boosted by a community shares issue, which has attracted £70,000. Decisions on future funding bids could bring the trust a total of £2.4m.
Fatima Uygun, of Govanhill Baths Community Trust, said: “The restoration of the facilities in Govanhill is crucial to our community.”
If the funding target is achieved, work could begin in May 2019 ahead of opening in July 2021.
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