A campaign group to renovate an historic Aberdeen swimming pool has helped found a charity dedicated to preserving similar structures throughout the UK.
The Bon Accord Heritage charity, behind the long running campaign to restore the city’s Bon Accord Baths, will now join representatives from more than 26 swimming pools and leisure centres which have been rescued and taken over by local community groups at the launch of the Historic Pools of Britain group in London tomorrow.
The news comes as the Aberdeen group begins its campaign to raise about £5million for the work on the Justice Mill Lane baths after Aberdeen City Council gave unanimous backing to their bid to restore the landmark to its former glory.
Council cutbacks caused the baths to close their doors in 2008 after 68 years in operation.
The group – which led the campaign to renovate and reopen the pool – would like to retain the art deco design, while modernising the building and installing geothermal heating.
The Historic Pools of Britain group was informally set up in 2013 for groups with similar aims to network, and members helped Bon Accord Heritage shape their proposals that were submitted to the council.
John Law, of Bon Accord Heritage, said he hopes the group can continuing learning from fellow members to ensure the success of the city’s popular baths.
He said: “This is a very exciting time for Bon Accord Baths as we now have the support of the city council as well as the population of the city to make this project succeed.
“Being part of this fantastic Historic Pools of Britain network is so vital to us as we can call on their pooled skill and experience through the next few years as we get established and raise what is an awful lot of money to bring our wonderful Bon Accord Baths back to life.”
Historic Pools of Britain is now being re-launched as a charity venture at a special event at London’s Golden Lane Sport and Fitness centre.
Members of the group include local authorities and public bodies as well as a growing number of community trusts.
Mr Law urged anyone who could help Bon Accord Heritage on their fundraising mission to come forward, either by e-mailing him at john.savebab@gmail.com or by visiting www.neighbourly.com