Swimming pool to be arts centre

The B-listed Bon Accord Baths in Aberdeen, built in 1937, was closed three years ago by cash strapped Aberdeen City Council as part of controversial budget cuts after it was revealed they cost 1 million a year to run. Last year, the council said the baths were being put on the market.

A spokesman for the authority said yesterday it had selected a preferred bidder for the building, which is to be used for live music, theatre, community and church programmes and exhibitions as well as spectator sports.

He said: "The finance and management committee has unanimously selected a bid from the Carpe Diem Trust, a consortium of local business men and women, who aim to turn the 1930s building into a commercially operated, unsubsidised centre for artistic, community and business activities."

He added: "Its proposal would see the former baths become a new home for theatre, art and dance studios, a music recording studio and practice rooms for up-and-coming artists."

Chris Wood, a spokesman for the trust, said: "The building is in many ways a work of art, with a unique art deco style. With maximised use of natural light, symmetrical design and open space of cathedral-like proportions, it is a stimulating environment which cries out to be utilised by the public as a creative, cultural, community and business space."