Bon Accord Baths

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Bon Accord Baths
57°8′30.62″N 2°6′39.12″W / 57.1418389°N 2.1108667°W / 57.1418389; -2.1108667Coordinates: 57°8′30.62″N 2°6′39.12″W / 57.1418389°N 2.1108667°W / 57.1418389; -2.1108667
AddressJustice Mill Lane, Aberdeen
Opened1940 (1940)
ClosedMarch 31, 2008 (2008-03-31)
Owned byAberdeen City Council
ArchitectAlexander McRobbie
StatusStanding but not operating
Websitewww.savebonaccordbaths.org.uk
Bon Accord Baths pool hall, prior to Bon Accord Heritage beginning work.

Bon Accord Baths is an indoor swimming pool in Aberdeen, Scotland. It is not currently operational, but is being managed by Bon Accord Heritage, a group of volunteers working to restore and reopen the facility under community ownership.

History[]

Construction on the complex began in 1937, and it was opened in 1940.[1][2]

The complex was closed between April and November 2006 for refurbishment.[3] It was closed permanently by Aberdeen City Council on 31 March 2008 as part of wider budget cuts. The council stated that the operating costs were much higher than similar facilities across the UK, and that the complex were surplus to its requirements.[2] It was reported to have cost over £1 million per year to operate. In March 2010, the council announced that it was intending to sell the complex, noting that it had the potential for re-development while retaining the architectural features of the building.[4]

In 2015, a closing date was set for offers on the baths.[5] However, the complex was not sold. It is owned by Aberdeen City Council, but Bon Accord Heritage have an agreement in place supporting the project and they continue to occupy the building as they work to restore it.[6]

Architecture[]

The complex is housed within an art deco building constructed from granite. It is B-listed.[5] The building was designed by architect Alexander McRobbie.[2]

Reopening campaign[]

A group called "Save Bon Accord Baths" has been established with the aim of reopening the complex. In September 2020, the group held an Open Weekend allowing the public to tour the building, with a programme of Open Weekends continuing in 2021 and beyond.[7] Extensive work has been undertaken by the volunteers and trustees to date, including the cleaning up of much of the Baths, remedial work to prevent further decline, removal of all vegetation from the roof, extensive boarding and securing of the building to prevent unauthorised access and further damage.[8]

References[]

  1. ^ "Opening of new baths, Aberdeen". National Library of Scotland. Retrieved 3 May 2021.
  2. ^ a b c "Bon Accord Baths" (PDF). Aberdeen Local Development Plan. Retrieved 3 May 2021.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  3. ^ "Bon Accord baths ready to reopen". BBC News. 19 October 2006. Retrieved 3 May 2021.
  4. ^ "Council chiefs make a splash by deciding to sell off iconic art deco pool". The Scotsman. 17 March 2010. Retrieved 3 May 2021.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  5. ^ a b "Closing date set for sale of Bon Accord Baths". Shepherd Chartered Surveyors. 28 May 2015. Retrieved 3 May 2021.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  6. ^ "Bon Accord Baths, Justice Mill Lane, Aberdeen | Buildings at Risk Register". Buildings at Risk. Retrieved 3 May 2021.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  7. ^ Walker, David. "Aberdeen's Bon Accord Baths to open doors to public next weekend". Evening Express. Retrieved 3 May 2021.
  8. ^ "Save Bon Accord Baths Homepage". Save Bon Accord Baths. Retrieved 6 June 2021.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)

External links[]

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