Warrender Baths

Warrender Swim Centre – traditionally known as Warrender Baths – is a swimming pool and fitness complex in Marchmont, Edinburgh.

It consists of a pool convert|25|yd in length, a sauna, and an assortment of fitness equipment. It is notable for its Victorian architecture with bright interior and its old-fashioned poolside changing facilities. The baths enjoy grade "B" listed building conservation status.

History

The baths were built with funding and on land donated by Sir George Warrender, and were opened in 1887 at a cost of £11,000.

Warrender Baths differed from many similar facilities in Edinburgh in that they were originally built privately with the emphasis on fitness and leisure. Many of the city's comparable swimming pools were part of a much wider scheme to build public baths to promote cleanliness and hygiene amongst the working classes, who did not have routine access at the time to sanitation. Warrender Baths also sported a billiard room and a reading room.

Initially the facilities were a success, but by 1906 were no longer viable and were closed. They were bought by the city for £3000, where they joined the city's portfolio of similar pools. Periodically suffering further closure threats, they were refurbished recently and are now secure.

References

* [http://living.scotsman.com/index.cfm?id=181092006 Article in "The Scotsman" about Warrender Baths]

ee also

*Edinburgh Royal Infirmary – one of the oldest swimming baths in Edinburgh was at the first purpose-built site of the hospital

External links

* [http://www.edinburghleisure.co.uk/list-115 Official "Edinburgh Leisure" site]