Because a lot of dwellings had no hot running water, Glasgow Corporation built a series of public baths, to improve the health and hygiene of its citizens. Govanhill Baths opened in 1917 and continued in use until March 2001, without any substantial alterations. The facilities comprised three swimming pools, slipper baths and a "steamie"(washhouse). With modern laundry equipment, this lasted into the 1990's. A Turkish baths and a gym were also added later.
Grade 'B' listed from 1992, only two months notice of closure was given by the Council, which led to protesters occupying the premises for nearly five months, until evicted by Sherriff's Officers backed up by 250 Police!
A Community Trust was set up in 2005, to restore the baths to public use with other facilities being added, to benefit the area. The Council have agreed to transfer ownership to the Trust and with finance in place, the first phase of work is due to start next Tuesday.
Visited under the 'Open Doors' access scheme, as this is the last chance to see it as it was.
The very grim outside
The Entrance Hall, this will be stripped out next week and a new entrance made at the rear.
The learners pool
The smaller pool
Not real plants!
The Ladies Slipper Bath cubicles and lone chair shot
An original cast iron bath
The attendant's cupboard
The main pool. Both pools have roof ribs of reinforced concrete, which is still in good condition. The bar on the left was for trapeze rings.
A lot of the original tiling survives, but there is no ornamentation
Grade 'B' listed from 1992, only two months notice of closure was given by the Council, which led to protesters occupying the premises for nearly five months, until evicted by Sherriff's Officers backed up by 250 Police!
A Community Trust was set up in 2005, to restore the baths to public use with other facilities being added, to benefit the area. The Council have agreed to transfer ownership to the Trust and with finance in place, the first phase of work is due to start next Tuesday.
Visited under the 'Open Doors' access scheme, as this is the last chance to see it as it was.
The very grim outside
The Entrance Hall, this will be stripped out next week and a new entrance made at the rear.
The learners pool
The smaller pool
Not real plants!
The Ladies Slipper Bath cubicles and lone chair shot
An original cast iron bath
The attendant's cupboard
The main pool. Both pools have roof ribs of reinforced concrete, which is still in good condition. The bar on the left was for trapeze rings.
A lot of the original tiling survives, but there is no ornamentation
