WITH just 72 hours before the scheme closes, Govanhill Baths Community Shares Campaign has received £100,000 of funding from Big Society Capital

The funding was awarded once Govanhill Baths had raised £100,000 from those investing in Community Shares.

It means the total raised - which will go towards turning the Baths into a wellbeing centre - is now more than £220,000.

Alan Walsh, chairman of Govanhill Baths Community Trust, said: “This is a key moment for the community.

"The historic struggle to reopen Govanhill Baths is rapidly coming to a conclusion that because of the support of individuals and Big Society Capital will be one of great joy.”

Community Shares are a way for people to fund and run local projects together.

Shareholders in Govanhill Baths will have a direct say in the running and the future of the project. Importantly, no matter how much a person invests everyone has an equal say.

As previously told in the Evening Times, Govanhill Baths Community Shares fundraising drive was launched on September 22 by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon.

We told earlier this month how Glasgow City Council has pledged £500,000 to the refurbishment.

Govanhill Baths Manager Fatima Uygun said: “We have been overwhelmed by the support we’ve received.

"Almost 400 people have now purchased shares; an incredible achievement in an area with Govanhill’s challenges.

"[This is] proof that the community’s wish to see the Baths reopen has not diminished one bit since our struggle began in 2001.”

In raising £220,000, the organisation has reached the minimum for the campaign and has now set its sights on getting as close to its maximum target of £300,000 before the deadline of midnight on November 30.

Fatima added: “There is still time for people to invest and become owners of this iconic and much-loved building.

“We want to make this year’s St Andrew’s Day a celebration also of what people can achieve when they work together.”

Further details of Govanhill Baths plans for redevelopment and Community Shares campaign can be found at www.govanhillbaths.com