Name: Bon Accord Baths Location: Aberdeen Current status: Closed Date built: 1937-40 Architect: Alexander McRobbie, City of Aberdeen Architect’s Department. Listed building status: Category B-listed Lead organisation: Bon Accord Heritage SCIO
Description
Bon Accord Baths is one of the most significant surviving Art Deco pools in the UK. Designed in 1936 and completed in 1940, its scale, technical innovation and building quality attest to Aberdeen’s ambition to have a modern pool that would match the best in the country. The austere granite façade belies the magnificence of the interior, with a sycamore panelled entrance hall leading to a balcony that dramatically overlooks the pool. The front block contained slipper baths on the ground floor and a health suite and Turkish Baths on the first floor.
Facilities
36m gala pool with 10m diving tower.
Notable fact
Seating for 1000, concrete structure, well preserved Art Deco detailing throughout, including sycamore veneer panelling in entrance area.
The natural slope of the land is utilised within the design, so that standing on the balcony gives the impression of being on the deck of a ship.
Current plans
Closed since 2008, in 2015 a campaign began to save the building. The trust (Bon Accord Heritage) received a licence to occupy from the Council in 2020. It regularly opens the building for events and open days, while plans for renovation are being developed.
