Council chiefs make a splash by deciding to sell off iconic art deco pool

The B-listed pool , built in 1937, was closed in 2008 by the city council as part of a series of controversial budget cuts after it was revealed that the baths were costing 1 million a year to run.

Suggestions that the historic building could be used as an art gallery or a concert venue were rejected by the authority.

And yesterday the council announced that the baths were being put on the market to identify a "viable and economic" use for the property.

Gordon McIntosh, the council's director of enterprise, planning and infrastructure, said: "

We are looking for positive and innovative ideas on how this can best be done."

Independent commercial property consultants Ryden have been appointed to handle the sale of the building.

Andrew Smith, a chartered surveyor with the company, said: "The property has been vacant since early 2005 and presents a unique opportunity for the acquisition of an historical building within the heart of Aberdeen.

"Justice Mill Lane is undergoing considerable redevelopment at present with the construction of two hotels, 125,000sq ft of offices and underground public parking. As such, the Bon Accord Baths is the last property on the south side of Justice Mill Lane with the potential for redevelopment, subject to planning permission."

In addition to the main pool, the two-storey building includes reception areas, gymnasium, weight training room, aerobics studio, Turkish baths, saunas, and steam rooms.

A council spokeswoman explained: "A planning brief has been developed to give prospective purchasers guidance on use and the retention of key features of the property. The Bon Accord Baths are a unique example of art-deco architecture."