{"id":35061,"date":"2022-12-02T17:11:33","date_gmt":"2022-12-02T17:11:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/newsblogsnew.ihbc.org.uk\/?p=35061"},"modified":"2022-12-02T17:31:21","modified_gmt":"2022-12-02T17:31:21","slug":"ihbcaberdeen2022-seventh-reprise-boost-for-bon-accord-baths-restoration-as-council-throws-weight-behind-plans","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/newsblogs.ihbc.org.uk\/?p=35061","title":{"rendered":"#IHBCAberdeen2022: Seventh reprise: Boost for Bon Accord Baths restoration as council throws weight behind plans"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"Plans to resurrect Aberdeen\u2019s historic Bon Accord Baths \u2013 the spectacular \u2018work in progress\u2019 venue for our 2022 Annual School\u2018s Thursday launching reception in June – have been given a considerable boost after Aberdeen City Council agreed to lend its support to the effort.<\/h3>\n

image: IHBC<\/em><\/h6>\n

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\u2026 the group has already spent thousands of pounds\u2026. to keep rainwater, wind and vandals out\u2026<\/span><\/em><\/h2>\n

Aberdeen\u2019s Press and Journal<\/em> writes:<\/p>\n

Bon Accord Heritage (BAH) could now access new sources of funding, bringing it another step closer to reopening the much-loved leisure centre on Justice Mill Lane.<\/p>\n

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It has been closed to the public since 2008, and the group has already spent thousands of pounds on measures to keep rainwater, wind and vandals out after gaining access two years ago.<\/p>\n

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The council had previously decided against giving the restoration project a share of the \u00a3150 million set aside for the Aberdeen city centre masterplan.<\/p>\n

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Then in opposition, SNP and Lib Dem councillors had pushed for public money to be used to breathe new life into the category B-listed building.<\/p>\n

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The latest push came from the Conservatives, who promised official support for the Bon Accord Baths project in their manifesto ahead of May\u2019s local elections\u2026<\/p>\n

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\u2026 After a discussion with administration councillors resulting in minor changes, the support was agreed unanimously\u2026<\/p>\n

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Staffed entirely by volunteers, BAH has branched beyond simple public open days this year to host unique art exhibitions<\/a> and jazz gigs<\/a> in the 82-year-old building.<\/p>\n

Local indie band The Little Kicks even used the swimming pool<\/a> as a backdrop in the video for their song Ruminations.<\/p>\n

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It all reflects the campaign group\u2019s vision for a diversified venue that is as much a space for the community as it is a leisure centre.<\/p>\n

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They plan to allow locals to open up stalls and cafes on the site, establishing it as a hub while continuing to raise money for the ongoing restoration.<\/p>\n

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Council bosses have been asked to draw up a report on the group\u2019s business case and on the commercial viability of the project\u2026<\/p>\n

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Graham Cooper, a trustee of BAH, was watching the council action unfold from the public gallery. He said: \u2018Further to previous initial feasibility work, we have already appointed\u2026 external consultants. They will prepare an advanced feasibility study and a business plan, which are essential pre-requisites in order to pursue external funding.<\/p>\n

https:\/\/www.pressandjournal.co.uk\/fp\/news\/aberdeen-aberdeenshire\/4984693\/bon-accord-baths-council-support\/<\/a><\/p>\n

See further reprises from #IHBCAberdeen2022:<\/p>\n