Baths plan takes a step forward but funding grant still required

A LONG-RUNNING campaign to transform Govanhill Baths has moved a step closer after councillors agreed to sell the building.

However, a final funding grant still needs to be secured to ensure the scheme can progress.

A £1 sale to Govanhill Baths Building Preservation Trust was backed by members of Glasgow City Council’s contracts and property committee on Thursday.

But a report to the committee said: “The remaining money, an application to the Regeneration Capital Grant Funding (RCGF), is progressing through the RCGF process with an outcome expected at the end of February.

“Successfully securing the funding for the restoration will be a condition of sale.”

A council officer said: “We hoped it would have been announced by today but it has been delayed.

“It will probably be the start of next week before RCGF announce what their funding will be for the forthcoming year across Scotland.”

When questioned on how this would impact the sale, he added: “All the funders have met and agreed they’re still supportive of the scheme.

“It would be up to the Govanhill Baths Community Trust to come back with revised proposals, possibly less ambitious proposals.

“This community group is in this for the long haul.

“Signs from RCGF are positive, we’re hopefully for a positive outcome.

“I think the funders are agreed they wouldn’t walk away.”