Govanhill Baths revamp seals £1m funding boost
THE transformation of Govanhill Baths has taken two major steps forward.
Govanhill Community Baths Trust (GCBT) has been granted planning permission from Glasgow City Council for the first phase of the refurbishment.
At the same time, the Trust has been awarded £1million of funding from the Big Lottery Fund’s Growing Community Assets fund.
The plans, designed by Belfast-based architects Hall, Black Douglas, will transform the former Edwardian Bathhouse.
Project Manager Susan O’Connor, of Princes Regeneration Trust, said: “We have reached a significant milestone in bringing Govanhill Baths back into use.
“We have worked closely with the Trust for the last three years providing advice on funding, project management and finding a viable and sustainable future use so that such an important site can once again be a part of the City and enjoyed by the people of Glasgow.
“There is still more work to be done but today we have taken a positive step forward.”
Big Lottery cash was awarded to help create a wellbeing centre in the B-listed building that will include a gym, community café, community kitchen, hot-desk facilities for local businesses and a range of flexible spaces and meeting rooms.
Glasgow City Council closed the pool in 2001 – despite protests – and the community has fought to re- open the building since then.
Big Lottery, Heritage Lottery and Historic Environment Scotland money is now being used to restore the building.
The Trust is also operating a community shares scheme, asking locals to buy shares in the Baths.
Alan Walsh, chairman of GBCT, said: “On behalf of the Board of Trustees and members of GBCT, I would like to thank our partners in this project for gaining planning permission for the next stage of refurbishment.
“This and the £1m Lottery funding is another major milestone on the way to restoring the Baths and opening the new wellbeing centre.
“We are delighted with the news.”
The Baths is celebrating its centenary on Saturday with an open day from noon until 5pm that will see characters from Govanhill’s history take tours of the Edwardian Bathhouse.
Stephen Douglas of Hall Black Douglas Architects said: “We are delighted to gain Planning Permission and Listed Building Consent on behalf of the Community Trust.”