Volunteers look to take next step in restoring Bon Accord Baths

They'll be holding an open weekend as fundraising efforts step up

Author: Lewis MichiePublished 26th Nov 2021

Members of the public are being given the chance to get a look at the historic Bon Accord baths this weekend.

Volunteers have been restoring the pool facilities, which closed in 2008.

The building had fallen into disrepair and had become a hot spot for vandalism and anti-social behavior.

But an array of repair work has been carried out over the last 15 months.

This had led to more chances for the 'Save the Bon Accord Baths' group to welcome the public in.

The baths have even been used as a backdrop for a music video, and for the training of police dogs.

What's happening this weekend?

One of the volunteers, Steven Cooper, has been speaking to Northsound about the open weekend.

"We're hoping to open most of the areas we had opened in our June open weekend, and hoping that people get another look around just to see some of the progress made in the building" He said.

"and get a chance to speak speak with some of the team members about some of our plans and where we're heading with the project." He continued.

"A big part of our open weekend is obviously fundraising as well.

"Obviously we do need continued support and will be fundraising through selling Christmas cards and a wide selection of merchandise, Christmas gifts and otherwise."

A lot of work has been done in the baths to secure the building and to make it wind and water tight.

What's Next?

Steven told Northsound News that a leaky roof has been causing issues, and will have to be the next step in repair work.

"We've essentially used hundreds of volunteer hours, Goodwill of local businesses, and also public fundraising money to repair a great deal of roofing on the building to date.

"The bath is a really complex 1930s design of multiple roof levels of various buildings all joined together by sub link passageways, w

"One of the most pressing areas we've got is the high level pool hall roof. We're seeing quite a bit of water ingress, particularly during the recent heavy rain we've had on the left hand side over the spectator deck, which does threaten the Art Deco interior of the building.

"Because of the high nature of the roof and its design, and we do require to employ professional contractors to do this. It's not something we can approach the volunteers and that's why we're launching a Christmas fundraising appeal"

The eventual aim of the group is to take the Baths into community ownership and operate the facilities under a community group.

The open weekend is taking place at the follow times..

Saturday 27 November, 10am - 3pm

Sunday 28 November, 12pm - 3pm

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