A COMMUNITY Trust is calling for a final fundraising push to raise the £1million needed to transform Govanhill Baths.

As told in the Evening Times last week, the Edwardian swimming centre is set to close at the end of 2017 for a year-long refurbishment.

After 16 years of committed community campaigning, the Calder Street hub will have new life as a health and wellbeing centre.

But the ambitious scheme will cost more than £6m to bring to fruition.

In order to generate the last of the cash needed, Govanhill Baths Community Trust today launches a community share campaign.

Fatima Uygun, Trust Manager at the Baths, said: "By becoming a shareholder you become a part of the building’s legacy, taking part in decisions around the preservation of the building and ensuring its future in the community’s hands.

"As one of the most iconic community empowerment stories in Scotland’s history, this fundraiser marks a historic moment - make or break time for Govanhill Baths."

At the last count, transformation plans were to cost £4.1m with £200,000 still to generate.

However, following extensive tests of the building, it was found the roof and foundations needed far more work than originally thought.

The architects, Hall Black Douglas, have also upgraded plans to include an impressive glass walkway linking the front building to the separate former Turkish Baths building at the back.

Susan O'Connor, of the Princes Regeneration Trust and project manager for the build, said: "The additional money needed is to do with design development.

"The results of surveys of the building and tests of the foundations and roof show the decay of the building is much more serious than we had thought.

"It hasn't been properly maintained for 16 years and it has degraded to the point where it needs a lot of work done.

"The cost of the redevelopment is one third conservation of the building, one third mechanical - such as fitting the pipes needed for the pool - and one third is fitting out the building.

"We have also added on this big, central glass walkway to the building, which will give us extra community space and link the front space to the back of the building."

Glasgow City Council closed the Baths in 2001 but supporters have never given up on their hope to have it reopened.

Last week the teaching pool was opened, bringing swimming back to Govanhill for the first time in 16 years.

Community shares are a means for communities to run projects together with each donor holding a share in the building and being able to participate in decision making.

Pledges can be from £100 to £100,000 and can be paid on monthly subscription over two years.

These artists impressions, from architects and interior designers Hall Black Douglas, show how the Baths will look.

Susan added: "There is nothing like it on the south side.

"There's plenty for the rich people in the west end but for the south side this is a unique facility and it's going to be fantastic."

To find out more about buying a share see www.govanhillbaths.com/pledge2017