Govanhill plans for wellbeing hub

The historic Govanhill Baths on Calder Street in Glasgow, UK may be transformed into a £12.5m wellbeing centre and spa, following its closure by the council in 2001 owing to its deteriorating condition.

Since its initiation in 2004, Govanhill Baths Community Trust has campaigned Glasgow City Council for permission to refurbish the B-listed Edwardian building into a cohesive leisure and community hub to help improve the lives of those living in the surrounding socially disadvantaged area.

Designs drawn up by NORD Architecture include refurbishments to the two existing swimming pools and the learner pool, and the retention of 12 of the original 40 private baths, known as ‘slipper baths’.

A new 120sq m (1,290sq ft) spa area will comprise a sauna and a Hamman, as well as a hydrotherapy pool with a lounge surrounded by physiotherapy and exercise rooms.

A 340sq m (3,660sq ft) health suite will feature nine therapy rooms and a gym complete with resistance training equipment, while a 130sq m (1,400sq ft) games hall will provide space for activities such as badminton and martial arts. There will also be a privately run asthma clinic and sports injury service.

The spa will support both Eastern and Western philosophies in a bid to attract and meet the demands of the local community — 40 per cent of whom are or Asian descent.

“Set in an urban diverse community in Glasgow, the spa is housed in a unique conversion of an Edwardian swimming pool closed eight years ago under massive local and city-wide protest.

“It will provide holistic facilities for all aspects of community life, with a major stress on health, well being, fitness and social cohesion.

“The spa facilities are in great demand locally by the BME community and will surpass all those currently available in the city and beyond,” said Andrew Johnson, chair of the trust.

An additional 370sq m (3,980sq ft) multi-purpose hall will accommodate public meetings and conferences, with access to a public healthy eating café.

A performance space will house a small theatre complex, alongside recording and music studios, while a crèche will be complemented by a secure roof garden.

The trust is now seeking funding from the local authority and the Scottish Government to carry out the project.

On finalisation of the business plan, Glasgow Council will hand over ownership of the building to the trust, who will manage the centre with the help of subsidiary companies.

If planning permission is approved and funding secured, the projected 12-month build will commence in March 2010, with the Govanhill Wellbeing and Health Centre opening on 28 March 2011 — 10 years to the day that it was closed.