The future of the Church Street School Swimming Pool building is in question, after locals noticed ‘essential safety works’ being carried out on the site.
After being drained 1997, local planners confirmed the pool was out of use in 1999 - though the building has lain empty since then, falling into a derelict state. In 2002, demolition was threatened for the building.
Hillhead Community Council lobbied Historic Environment Scotland, who then listed the buildings - though no improvements were seen on the condition of the building. Several areas of the structure stand roofless, with extensive vegetation growth throughout.
READ MORE - The story of the only Glasgow Subway station that no longer exists, Merkland Street
External inspections over the following decade reported poor conditions, with walls held together by scaffolding as well as damp and mossy patches throughout the building.
In June 2020, urban explorers Urbandoned uploaded footage to their YouTube channel of their visit to the derelict site. The footage showed the extent of the damage to the building, revealing just how far gone the swimming baths are.
By August this year, after two decades of uncertainty, locals noticed fencing and signage by Glasgow City Council had been erected on the site. As it stands, what this means for the future of the building is still to be confirmed.
A spokesperson for Glasgow City Council said: “We are currently in the process of developing a scheme for the redevelopment of the site, which includes the swimming baths.”
When asked if this could see the buildings repurposed or demolished, they stated it was "too early to say".
Many of a certain age will recall using the swimming baths as a child, though the pool has been reclaimed by nature and almost unrecognisable today. While the future is unclear, many are hoping the building can return to its former glory - in one form or another. You can read more about the abandoned pool here.
READ NEXT:
First look at west end's newest affordable housing development in Partick
The story of the only Glasgow Subway station that no longer exists, Merkland Street
Glasgow west end could soon welcome Japanese tea house serving traditional coffee and food
New Glasgow mini market with community focus to open in Partick next month
Partick welcomes colourful new mural by Glasgow artist Molly Hankinson
