WORK TO BEGIN ON TRANSFORMATION
IT is a milestone two decades in the making – on Monday the refurbishment of a historic bathhouse begins 20 years since the fight began to save it. On March 21, 2001, protestors occupied Govanhill Baths in protest at council plans to shut the building for good.
Now, on March 22, work to transform the building into a community wellbeing centre starts as the cash needed for the project has now been raised.
Niall Murphy, chairman of Govanhill Baths Building Preservation Trust, said: “We are delighted to be taking ownership of the Baths and starting on the refurbishment works after so many years of planning, fundraising and design development.
“It’s great to be beginning such a fantastic community regeneration project.”
When campaigners took over the Edwardian listed building in 2001 they began what would go on to be one of the longest occupations of a public building in UK history.
The occupation spanned 140 days and was to become one of the most effective and celebrated community protests ever mounted in Scotland.
Now Govanhill Baths Community Trust has announced Govanhill Baths Building Preservation Trust will take ownership of the building on Monday.
It is the result of 20 years of determination and hard work, coming with the pledge of financial support from several donors.
Clark Contracts have been appointed and work is due to begin on the Grade B-Listed Edwardian building next week.
Tomorrow, during 20th anniversary celebrations, local resident Jean Adair, who was at the centre of the 2001 occupation, will be handed the keys to the building.
Jean, who has been with the campaign since its start, said: “The
Baths were so important to the community and it was a big blow to us when it closed.
“This is a very special day for us all.
“Govanhill came together to save its pool, and Govanhill won – we got our Baths back.”
Govanhill came together to save its pool, and Govanhill won