Govanhill Public Baths

Image: © Alan Murray Walsh Taken: 16 Sep 2008

The baths were designed by A B McDonald and opened in 1917 after the architect's death. They contained hot baths in the upper storey and three swimming pools & private showers on the ground floor. There was also a wash-house or "steamie" at the rear of the building, which was converted to a launderette in 1971. A campaign to save Govanhill Pool began in December/ January 2001 when Glasgow C.C. informed the community that it was to close the baths on March 31st 2001. There had been no local consultation and none with the users. Community members occupied the pool from March 17th until August 7th that year when, after obtaining a decree to remove the protesters from the pool Sheriff’s Officers accompanied eventually by some 250 police, horses and even a helicopter surveillance removed the Community members and boarded up the pool with steel shutters. It has remained like this since.

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