Proposed £600,000 repair package for Renfrew Victory Baths
The historic and much-loved Renfrew Victory Baths could be preserved for future generations as councillors consider a £600,000 refurbishment package.
The funding will be considered by members of Renfrewshire Council's finance board on Thursday and, if approved, would cover the cost of structural repairs to secure the long-term future of the 104-year-old building.
The proposals follow recent structural assessments and include a range of repairs such as works beneath the pool, concrete and masonry repairs, roof and drainage upgrades, and general improvements to maintain the character of the facility.
With costs estimated at £600,000, the building's status as a Renfrew Common Good asset means funding will be shared between Renfrewshire Council and the Common Good Fund.
The Common Good contribution will be capped at £500,000, with any additional costs met by the council to protect the fund.
A report, prepared ahead of the board meeting, highlights that, as a building now over a century old, Victory Baths is naturally beginning to show signs of age.
It states repairs to the superstructure are becoming increasingly difficult to manage and less sustainable. Any future refurbishment is likely to require significant investment, including the possible replacement of major structural elements such as sections of the concrete framework.
Despite the scale of the proposed works, there are no plans to close the pool during the improvement programme.
Councillor John Shaw, chair of the finance board and local councillor for Renfrew North and Braehead, will present the paper to councillors on Thursday. He said: 'The Victory Baths are a cherished part of Renfrew's heritage and continue to play an important role in the life of our community.
'These proposed works are not just about tackling current maintenance needs, they're about taking steps to secure the future of the building for the next generation.
'With the building now over 100 years old, we need to act decisively to ensure it remains safe, functional and fit for purpose. 'm pleased to bring this paper forward and hope to see it approved so the work can get underway.'
Victory Baths is an Edwardian, 25-yard pool designed by Paisley architect Thomas Graham Abercrombie and dates from 1921. The baths are a Category B listed building and retain the original layout of cubicles around the pool, arched doorways, memorabilia and viewing gallery.
Historical structural interventions, in-house structural and consultant inspections have been ongoing since 2011.
Cllr Lisa-Marie Hughes, fellow councillor for Renfrew North and Braehead and chair of OneRen, added: 'The Victory Baths are more than just a pool, they are part of the fabric of Renfrew and hold a special place in the hearts of so many local people. I welcome the proposed investment as an important milestone in preserving and protecting it.
'I'm particularly pleased to hear that the pool will remain open throughout the works, so users can continue to enjoy it without disruption.'
If approved, work is expected to begin over the summer period.
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