250612_ FARCS Board Report - Renfrew Victory Baths
Renfrewshire Council · 12 June 2025
Back to Finance, Resources and Customer Services Policy Board — 12 June 2025 and its agenda
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To: Finance, Resources and Customer Services Policy Board On: 12 June 2025 Report by: Director of Environment, Housing & Infrastructure and the Director of Finance and Resources Heading: Renfrew Victory Baths - update 1 Summary 1.1 This paper outlines proposals and recommendations to support the existing infrastructure of Renfrew Victory Baths following external consultant inspections in December 2024 and further work in early 2025. 1.2 These works should be seen as essential to extending the life of the building. 1.3 Members should note that no immediate safety concerns were identified, however, additional propping works were required for the supporting structure around the pool apron slab. 2 Recommendations It is recommended that members of the Finance, Resources and Customer Services Policy Board: 2.1 Note and approve the content of this report and the financial implications. 3 Background 3.1 Victory Baths is an Edwardian, 25-yard pool designed by Paisley architect Thomas Graham Abercrombie and dates from 1921. The baths are a Category B Listed building and retain the original layout of cubicles around the pool, arched doorways, memorabilia and viewing gallery. 3.2 Historical structural interventions, in-house structural and consultant inspections have been ongoing since 2011.
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3.3 The last major refurbishment was circa 1996/97, and the most recent upgrade work was for a boiler renewal in spring 2021 in advance of the buildings 100-year anniversary. 3.4 Members should note that, at over a century old, the building is naturally showing signs of age. As a result, on-going repairs to the superstructure are becoming increasingly challenging. Looking ahead, any future refurbishment would likely need to involve significant investment, including the potential replacement of major structural elements such as sections of the concrete framework. 3.5 In November 2024, a structural engineering consultancy was commissioned to conduct a non-intrusive, non-destructive structural survey. 3.6 Their report, issued in December 2024, and revised in January 2025, advised that targeted investment could extend the life of the building, depending on the extent of remedial works carried out. 3.7 No immediate safety concerns were identified but additional propping works are required for the supporting structure around the pool apron slab. 4 Next Steps 4.1 The proposed steps below are intended to increase the life of the building: Replace the props in the basement area which are beginning to show signs of surface rusting and install additional props to underside of inclined slab. This has been completed due to small cost. Inspect and identify areas for concrete repairs within the pool apron slab and other structural members. Appoint a structural consultant to carry out three month checks to monitor and record the condition of the pool apron slab and supporting elements. Carry out repair works to masonry elements. Prepare a full scope of remedial works to high level, inaccessible roof areas following recent drone survey. Clean out and repair gutters and rainwater pipes to prevent water ingress into the building and patch repairs to slate/lead roof coverings over main office areas (not the main glazed pool hall). General upgrade to décor and finishes. 4.2 The budget cost for the basement/undercroft works, roofing works and front office building works are estimated at approximately £600,000. Members should note that this is dependent on the scope agreed for remedial roof works following a recent drone roof inspection. Implications of the Report 1. Financial – Renfrew Victory Baths are owned by the Renfrew Common Good Fund. Use of the Baths is paid for by the Council in terms of an annual rental payment made from the Council to the Common Good Fund of £8,000, with the
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Baths being operationally managed by OneRen. Given ownership rests with the Common Good Fund, the costs of repair will also require to be funded by the Common Good Fund. It is proposed however, that the contribution from the Common Good Fund is capped at £0.5m, with the balance being funded from the Council’s Financial Sustainability Fund. Should the actual cost of the works differ substantially from the estimate, this will be the subject of a further report to the Board. 2. HR & Organisational Development – None 3. Community/Council Planning – Our Renfrewshire is well – the provision of swimming facilities will allow residents and visitors to lead a balanced and healthy lifestyle. Renfrewshire Council is Fair – Swimming pools and activities (including swimming lessons) are key to ensuring a bright, happy and healthy future for all. 4. Legal – None 5. Property/Assets – As detailed within the report in relation to work on the Council property portfolio. 6. Information Technology - None 7. Equality & Human Rights – The recommendations contained within this report have been assessed in relation to their impact on equalities and human rights. No negative impacts on equality groups or potential for infringement of individuals’ human rights have been identified arising from the recommendations contained in the report. If required following implementation, the actual impact of the recommendations and the mitigating actions will be reviewed and monitored, and the results of the assessment will be published on the Council’s website. 8. Health & Safety – As detailed within the report. 9. Procurement – As detailed within the report. 10. Risk – Short term risk requiring installation of additional propping for pool shell. 11. Privacy Impact – None 12. COSLA Policy Position – None 13. Children’s Rights – None. 14. Climate Change – None.
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List of Background Papers - None Author: Frank Farrell, Technical Unit Programme Manager Email: frank.farrell@renfrewshire.gov.uk