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Historical timeline of the Bon Accord Baths

Our Story

There are many historic Buildings In Aberdeen each entirely unique and delicately crafted with extraordinary features – such as St. Machar’s Cathedral, His Majesty’s Theatre and Marischal College. However, one gem is often forgotten – Bon Accord Baths (or the Uptown Baths, as it was originally known).

Bon Accord Baths is one of the last remaining examples of an Art Deco pool in the country. It was originally built during World War II – rising from the ashes of the Blitz – as a shining beacon of hope for Aberdeen. It survived the Luftwaffe bombing raids and became one of Aberdeen’s most treasured buildings. For decades, thousands of members of the local community created cherished memories in its waters. However, after years of neglect, Bon Accord Baths now urgently needs your help.

Click to view our interactive historical timeline

History of the  Baths ‘Uptown Baths’

1930

A minute was recorded in Aberdeen City Council’s notes of a desire to build a new indoor public pool via the Links and Parks Committee, in the “tenement area” of the city. Several sites were considered, one of the final contenders being one on Skene Street. Justice Mill Lane became the finalist, and one of the first decisions made was that there should be seating provision for a thousand spectators. In the 1930s the search for a city centre site started and plans were drawn up by Alexander McRobbie of the City Architect’s Dept. In 1936 the foundation stone was laid for the ‘Uptown Baths’.

1936

The build officially began, when Councillor Hay ceremonially dug the initial foundation, with an anticipated opening date in 1939. This did not happen, due to the war.

1940

The Bon Accord Baths were completed in 1940 at a cost of £37,000 and opened by Lord Provost Sir Thomas Mitchell on 30 August 1940; a prestigious public event. The Baths were part of a trio of Art Deco buildings, along with the Regent Cinema (1932) and Capitol Cinema (1933). The Baths were officially opened by the Lord Provost. A film is available of the opening, with the Lord Provost and Councillor Hay, dressed in their finery, in the spirit of wartime defiance. The Baths remained in use throughout the war, with costs incurred to black out the glass and to make it shatterproof. In 1941, the daily receipt book shows several transactions for visitors, private baths, galas, school parties and much more. The Baths had several names, initially the ”Uptown Baths”, before being renamed Bon Accord Baths in 1955.  

1988

Due to legislative requirements, around £1m was spent to bring the Baths up to modern safety regulations. This continued up until around 1998 and included fire safety interventions, like an additional fire escape and stairs, and glazed compartmentation at the entrance. These were sympathetically built, being of an exceptionally high quality and respected the architectural value of the building.

2008

Aberdeen City Council closed the Baths due to budgetary constraints. The Press and Journal reported on the public campaign to stop the closure of the Baths extensively, and the Council’s intention to close and sell the Baths was highlighted far and wide.

2012

External inspections show that the Baths were in structurally sound condition, but in need of maintenance – particularly to the windows and rainwater goods. The Baths remained unused. STV News reported another trust were the preferred bidders for taking on the Baths, who proposed a public arts centre encompassing a theatre, art and dance studio and a music recording studio. Negotiations stalled and ultimately, came to nothing.

2014

STV News reports the efforts of the original Save Bon Accord Baths group to bring the Baths back into use.

2015

A group of local, concerned people came together to form the Bon Accord Heritage SCIO, growing from the original Save Bon Accord Baths group. This is the charity that is working to Save Bon Accord Baths.

2017

Extensive structural reports on the building were completed following concerns there might be extensive ‘concrete cancer’. This was later found not to be the case. Bon Accord Heritage, who are better known as Save Bon Accord Baths, began conversations with Aberdeen City Council to bring the building back into use, resulting ultimately in a minute of agreement between both parties, with the view of progressing a community asset transfer under new Scottish Government legislation.

2020

Aberdeen City Council agree to grant Bon Accord Heritage a ‘Licence to Occupy’ the Baths. This LTO allows Bon Accord Heritage to undertake the work we are currently doing, and provide public access and remedial maintenance works to keep the Baths stable as we continue to drive the project forward. This was a major milestone in the project, which has allowed much of what we have been able to achieve to date. Bon Accord Heritage opened its doors for the first time to the public since the closure, celebrating the 80th anniversary of the Baths opening, and was overwhelmed with the support for the project.

2022

Aberdeen City Council approved a motion to formally support the restoration and reopening of Bon Accord Baths and has committed to supporting Bon Accord Heritage. Feasibility studies were concluded, which shows overwhelming public support for the project and that it could be viable.

2023

Multiple events have been run in the Bon Accord Baths, along with regular open days. The Baths has hosted Aberdeen Jazz Festival (”Soundbath”), Maggie’s Culture Crawl, the Gray’s School of Art Degree Show and many more. Work continued to drive the project forward, including accessing further funding to deliver the business plan and applications were made to get to RIBA Stage 1.

Art deco windows and design based on a cruise ship
A cathedral for swimming

Aberdeen’s forgotten gem ‘Uptown Baths’

The tireless work of our trustees and volunteers includes the cleaning of much of the building, remedial work to prevent further decline, removal of all vegetation from the roof, extensive boarding up of windows and securing of the building to prevent unauthorised access and vandalism.

As a result of this unflinching commitment, the Architectural Heritage Fund awarded Bon Accord Heritage a Project Viability Grant in 2021.

Over the last few years, this has supported the cost of architectural fees, enabling us to develop two extensive options for accommodating proposed facilities within the building. This includes changing rooms, a café, sports hall, therapy and wellness spaces, alongside both event and concert spaces.

There are many Historic Buildings in Aberdeen that are going to be lost to future generations, help us ensure this does not happen to the beautiful Category B Listed, Art Deco, Bon Accord Baths.  Progress is being made. But the future of Bon Accord Baths still depends on you. Donate today.