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Bon Accord Baths building survey findings set to be revealed

By Adele Merson
27/06/2017, 10:44 am Updated: 27/06/2017, 10:47 am
The Bon Accord Baths in Aberdeen's Justice Mill Lane has lain empty since 2008. Submitted for Samantha Leckie Series 24/07/15
The Bon Accord Baths in Aberdeen's Justice Mill Lane has lain empty since 2008. Submitted for Samantha Leckie Series 24/07/15

The findings of a detailed building survey on a historic swimming pool are expected by September.

Aberdeen’s iconic Bon Accord Baths have lain empty since they closed their doors in 2008 due to council spending cuts.

Bon Accord Heritage Group has, for years, planned and campaigned for the baths to be brought back into use for Aberdeen swimmers.

Detailed survey and inspection works are currently being carried out by council officers to see if the project remains viable.

In March, it was revealed experts were assessing the extent of an alkali silica reaction which is affecting concrete in the 1940s building.

Also known as “concrete cancer”, it occurs when water gets into concrete and turns it more acidic over time. Steel inside the concrete swells, causing splits and weakening the structure.

Council papers reveal a report is expected to be brought to the finance, policy and resources committee in September.

The report to members said: “Meetings are being held with Bon Accord Heritage on a regular basis to assist them in the development plans for the facility.

“Detailed survey and inspection works are currently being undertaken which assist in establishing the viability of the project.

“It is hoped that a report will be brought to the September committee.”

Craig Adams, a trustee of the heritage group, has previously said the group is hopeful that if a problem is found, it can be fixed.

But the regeneration of the baths could be in jeopardy if the issue is severe – as the building could be unsaveable.

The 1940s building on Justice Mill Lane was Aberdeen’s first purpose-built public swimming pool.

Bon Accord Heritage wants to see the swimming pool renovated and brought back to its former glory.

The group would like to retain the Art Deco design, while modernising the building and installing geothermal heating.

Other proposals include potentially removing some spectator seats to allow for the cafe to be extended, creating a gym and possibly installing glass panes in the roof.