THE refurbishment of Govanhill Baths is to receive a further £500,000 worth of funding from Glasgow City Council following project costs rising.
Difficulties linked to Covid, Brexit, the price of materials, and a shortage of skilled labour have contributed to a 26% increase to the original tender, the local authority revealed.
Govanhill Baths Community Trust, the charitable group established to manage the project, recently convened a meeting with funders to indicate they were facing a budget shortfall – with the original project anticipated to £9.479 million.
The cost of the project, which is being led by Clark Contracts, now stands at £11.9 million – with the Scottish Government agreeing to provide an additional £2 million in funding. Glasgow City Council will bridge the final gap by allocating £500,000 to ensure the refurbishment project reaches it conclusion.
Councillor Kenny McLean, city convener for housing, development, built heritage and land use, said, “Refurbishment of the baths has been a long term project that will eventually bring considerable health and social benefits to Govanhill. The project is also adding to the continued regeneration of the area.
“Govanhill Baths Community Trust have been working exceptionally hard to get their renovation project over the line and everything was more or less in place until the recent cost increases hit home. Rather than allow the efforts of the community to falter, it is appropriate that the council provides the financial backing needed to help the project achieve completion. The support from the Scottish Government has also been very welcome.
“We have been liaising with the trust on the cost increases that have affected not just them, but every construction project across the country. We are satisfied the trust has robust project management in place to ensure the additional funding will see the baths reopen for the Govanhill community.”
