Heritage Lottery Fund announced a new “first round” funding package for Govanhill Baths Community Trust that means refurbishment of the building can begin soon to bring swimming back to Govanhill. The award, coupled with other funding packages will allow the Trust to start work towards repairing the “Ladies pool” “Teaching Pool” and Turkish baths and sauna. It will also allow us to repair the roofs, walls and structure of the building to prepare for further development in the future.
GBCT Chair Alan Walsh was delighted with this breakthrough:
“This award means that we can finally confirm the long term future of the project and begin work soon that will realise the aims of our 14 year fight to bring swimming back to Govanhill. There is a lot of work to be done but we can plan ahead with confidence. We would like to thank everyone who has been involved over the years, especially the Project managers of the capital works programme The Prince’s Regeneration Trust who have helped steer us through this funding process.”
Ros Kerslake, Chief Executive of The Prince’s Regeneration Trust, said: “This is fantastic news for everyone who supports the revival of Govanhill Baths.
“We are very proud of the important role that PRT played in securing this vital HLF funding, including writing the application, developing the outline business plan and putting together the key strategic partners for the project.
“Govanhill Baths has long been an important social asset for the people of Glasgow. With this funding in place, the refurbishment of this wonderful building can begin and it can once again play a key role improving the lives of local people.”
The GBCT Trust Manager Fatima Uygun was one of the first people to campaign against the closure in 2001 and has been working towards the re-opening ever since. She said:
“This is a proud day for Govanhill. It is a testament to the people of this area who refused to give in, and took control of the future of their own local assets. Some day soon we will be swimming again. Everyone who has been involved over the years can share in the glory of this moment. It has been a collective effort involving thousands of people over many years, I am honoured to have been part of this campaign and delighted that we are moving forward to achieve what we set out to do in March 2001.”