A SCHEME to reopen a swimming baths axed after council cuts has received a funding boost.

The Govanhill Baths Community Trust (GBCT) has been working to restore the pool since it closed in 2001.

Now workers from the Trust have joined forces with The Prince's Regeneration Trust to push forward plans to refurbish the Edwardian building.

And the move has received a further push with £34,000 from the Big Lottery Fund.

Andrew Johnson, chairman of GBCT, said: "This award is in every sense the culmination of 13 years of struggle.

"Light is now being seen at the end of the tunnel for sure and we are delighted that The Prince's Regeneration Trust is now joining us.

"Being able to stick to the task over these years is a testimony to all those volunteers, Friends, Board Members and supporters who in so many ways have ensured we stayed on course."

GBCT has appointed the Duke of Rothesay's charity as project manager to oversee the work at the site. It is also managing a programme of community engagement activities.

Working with the Board of GBCT, this will lead to the appointment of a design team and a full Business Plan.

This will help GBCT to create and submit a further application for funding for the completion of Phase 1.

The Prince's Regeneration Trust has had more than 15 years of experience in projects of this kind across the UK.

GBCT's aim is to refurbish the Baths as a wellbeing centre in response to a call for better health facilities in the area.

Through the project GBCT wants to achieve crime prevention, community cohesion, local economic growth and employment opportunities for Govanhill.

Ros Kerslake, Chief Executive of The Prince's Regeneration Trust, added: "Govanhill Baths is an important local asset, which for more than 10 years has held huge untapped potential.

"It's wonderful to hear that it has received the recognition and support it deserves as an important local asset through this Big Lottery Fund grant.

Built during 1914 to 17 and designed by AB MacDonald, Govanhill Baths provided swimming pools, public baths and a steam laundry.

There are also slipper baths, which are individual baths that could be hired to wash in. Listed at Category B in 1992, the Baths were used until 2001 when their closure became a symbol of decline in the area.

With GBCT's involvement, the front suite of the Baths was reopened for community use since February 2012 and some aspects of the Baths are already being well-used.

The toddlers' pool will reopen in April and the main pool is being used as a theatre and event space.

Film classes, photography exhibitions, arts and crafts courses, and even money-saving workshops have all been held at the Baths.

Some 40 different organisations have used or rented these facilities since the opening in 2012.

Mr Johnson added: "Our struggle has not just been about a swimming pool, it has been about the right of a community to participate in decisions that affect its everyday life and wellbeing."

catriona.stewart@ eveningtimes.co.uk