24-06-2025
Glasgow's Netherton swimming pool 'could be demolished'
Netherton swimming pool has lain empty for nearly three decades after it was shut by Glasgow City Council (GCC) in 1997.
The building, which was constructed during the 1960s, is situated next to Netherton Community Centre in the city's north-west and has been a topic of concern in the local community.
The back of the roof (Image: Newsquest staff)
Glasgow Life confirmed that the building fabric is deteriorating and the presence of reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) has been detected in the roof structure.
RAAC is less durable than concrete and is prone to collapse when wet.
As such, it has been identified as a 'significant' health and safety risk.
Repair works were underway; however, the contractor is said to have recently reported further deterioration and 'failure of the roof'.
Glasgow Life confirmed it is now in the process of preparing more detailed information about the facility, which is owned by GCC, and this will be shared with the community council and elected members for further discussion.
Multiple 'danger' signs have been put up on the building (Image: Newsquest staff)
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However, the charity noted that it anticipates demolition will be the 'most appropriate course of action'.
A spokesperson for Glasgow Life said: 'Netherton Pool Hall has been closed since 1997. Due to the deteriorating building fabric and the presence of Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) in the roof structure, it has been identified as a significant health and safety risk.
'Following recent repair works, the contractor responsible reported further deterioration and failure of the roof.
'Considering the current condition of the building, Glasgow Life is in the process of preparing more detailed information regarding the facility.
'This information will be shared with the local community council and elected members for further discussion.
'We anticipate that the most appropriate course of action will be demolition.'
(Image: Newsquest staff)
The former pool hall is still connected to operational facilities, including Netherton Community Centre and the Caledonian Taekwondo Health & Fitness Centre.
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Despite lying derelict, the building is home to the plant room, which provides heating and water services to the other buildings.
Glasgow Life revealed that if the swimming pool is to be demolished, the site would be 'repurposed' to ensure these services continue.
(Image: Newsquest staff)
A spokesperson added: 'It is important to note that the pool hall houses the plant room, which provides essential heating and water services to other operational buildings.
'Should demolition proceed, the site would be repurposed to accommodate a new, modern plant room, ensuring the provision of efficient heating and water services for the remaining facilities.'
The front of the building (Image: Newsquest staff)
The news comes four months after we reported that concerns had been raised following reports of 'primary school children seen climbing on the roof' of the swimming pool.
The issue was brought to light at a meeting of High Knightswood and Anniesland Community Council on February 18.
At that time, Inspector Siobhan Paterson suggested that officers could visit local primary schools to raise awareness of the dangers of such actions.
