Bon Accord Baths: A Decade of Dedication and Community Support
For the past decade, Bon Accord Heritage has tirelessly worked to preserve one of Aberdeen’s most cherished historical landmarks – the Bon Accord Baths. Thanks to the unwavering efforts of volunteers and supporters, the iconic leisure site has been successfully “saved” from neglect and decay. The sight of the 118ft pool, nestled under a graceful curved roof and bathed in natural light, has long held a special place in the hearts of Aberdeen residents, evoking memories of bygone eras and childhood adventures. As the community looks forward to an exciting year ahead, the future of Bon Accord Baths shines brighter than ever.
Restoring a Piece of History
A labor of love that began a decade ago, the mission to rescue Bon Accord Baths from disrepair was spearheaded by dedicated volunteers who shared a common goal of preserving a treasured landmark. The moment they gained access to the abandoned building, they wasted no time in rolling up their sleeves and breathing new life into its neglected halls. Steven Cooper, a board member of Bon Accord Heritage, vividly recalls the early days of the restoration effort, where volunteers scrubbed floors, cleared debris, and laid the groundwork for the baths’ revival. Their timely intervention prevented the building from slipping into irreparable disrepair, ensuring that future generations would have the opportunity to enjoy this historic gem.
The 80th birthday of Bon Accord Baths marked a significant milestone in the restoration journey, prompting the community to rally behind the cause and support the revitalization efforts. Steven Cooper reflects on the heartwarming response from local businesses and residents, who generously contributed their time, resources, and donations to breathe new life into the beloved landmark. The outpouring of support during the open house event was a testament to the deep-rooted connection that Aberdeen residents feel towards Bon Accord Baths, underscoring its importance as a shared cultural heritage.
Looking Towards the Future
As Bon Accord Heritage continues its mission to transform the baths into a vibrant city-center leisure facility, dedicated volunteers work tirelessly to maintain and enhance the building’s infrastructure. From leak-proofing the pool hall to upgrading seating areas and hosting community events, every effort is made to ensure that Bon Accord Baths remains a cherished community asset. The commitment of volunteers, who dedicate their time and expertise to the restoration project, reflects the deep sense of pride and ownership that the community feels towards this historic landmark.
Looking ahead to an exciting 2025, Bon Accord Heritage is poised to unveil its vision for the future of Bon Accord Baths, with plans to diversify its offerings and provide new amenities for residents and visitors alike. The charity’s survey post-Covid underscored the community’s desire for a pool facility in the city center, affirming the baths’ central role in Aberdeen’s cultural landscape. Becky Orlinski, a trustee of Bon Accord Heritage, emphasizes the importance of preserving the baths as a functional and accessible space for the community, highlighting the collective effort required to bring this vision to fruition.
As visitors eagerly await the opportunity to explore the hidden treasures of Bon Accord Baths, the dedicated volunteers behind the scenes continue their painstaking work to restore and revitalize every corner of the historic building. From the beautifully preserved Turkish baths to the original bathtubs nestled beyond the lobby, each area holds a piece of history waiting to be rediscovered. Despite the challenges and setbacks along the way, the unwavering dedication of the Bon Accord Heritage team ensures that the legacy of Bon Accord Baths will endure for generations to come. Thank you for your patience and support as we work towards a brighter future for this beloved landmark.
