Govanhill Baths Update

Govanhill Baths Community Trust are seeking £4m funding from Glasgow City Council and the Scottish Government to re-open the baths in 2011. At a public meeting at Samaritan House, near the site of the baths, the Trust outlined their vision for the baths to become the heart of the Govanhill community once again. Alan Pert from partners Nord Architecture explained that the finished building will include many features to minimize energy consumption and the resultant environmental impact. He said: ‘The existing building, although structurally sound, is single glazed throughout, and none of the external walls are insulated. Solving these problems will give us an immediate benefit.’ Alan went on to explain some of the planned uses for the building. ‘There is strong interest in setting up a recording studio in the basement space. There is also scope for creating a health suite and Turkish baths in the basement. At the Kingarth Street side of the building, we plan to create office spaces and build a new level which will house a nursery and roof terrace. We even plan to create an 80 seat cinema with dedicated access from Kingarth Lane.’   

Also in attendance at the meeting was John Brownlee from Govanhill Amateur Swimming Club. The club was founded in 1906 by George Absolom, and used the Calder Street pool as a base until the closure in 2001. The club are currently using facilities at Shawlands Academy, but are keen to get back to their spiritual home at Govanhill Baths. The club has members from 7-19 years old and teaches swimming at all levels, including lifeguard training. John told the Local News: ‘Once the baths re-opens the club can go home. It is through the efforts of the members that we have kept going so long.’

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