Sealed bids have now been lodged by a number of organisations hoping to take over the Bon Accord Baths building with the council “delighted” at the level of interest in the future of the Grade II listed pool.
Bids were delivered to a solicitors’ office in the city centre by the 4pm deadline yesterday with the envelopes to be opened at the Town House this morning. **wed**
Bon Accord Heritage, which wants to revive the glory days of the Justice Mill Lane building and re-open it as a public baths, was one of the organisations to lodge a bid.
John Law, head of facilities and fundraising at the charity, said the proposal set out a five-year-lease for the building followed by an asset transfer.
Mr Law said the proposal to re-open the pool would cost an estimated £10m with hopes to secure the money from groups such as Heritage Lottery Fund over the period of the rental.
Mr Law said last night: “We have done what we can and we have worked very hard. There has been a fantastic group of people behind this, some who have put in some serious time and energy.
“We feel vindicated that there has been a ground swell of public support and our strategy now is to ramp up our campaign ahead of the decision.”
The Bon Accord Baths were designed by Alexander McRobbie of the City Architects Department and built in 1937.
Bon Accord Baths includes a 14-bay swimming pool, Turkish baths, two saunas and two steam rooms with symmetrical design, sycamore panelling and chrome fittings setting the Art Deco style.
Mr Law added: “There is the side of the baths being this iconic B-listed building which is unique not just in Scotland but in the UK. There are very few buildings of that era that are operational or salvageable.
“But also, it is a fantastic facility right in the heart of the city that can be accessed by all residents and also visitors. It is a real asset to the community.”
Aberdeen City Council wants to dispose of the Art Deco building with officials to consider the “best value” offer with the highest price offered not necessarily enough to secure the premises.
It is understood councillors will consider “community gain” of any proposal.
A spokesman for Aberdeen City Council could not comment on how many bids had been received for Bon Accord Baths.
He added: “We are delighted with the level of interest in the former Bon Accord Baths site.
“A report will be prepared for consideration by the City Council’s Property Sub Committee on September 2.”