“The Club’s policy at the moment is to erect Squash Courts and to use approximately one-half of the site for a car park…”
Secretary, Arlington Baths Club, 14 February 1974
Over the years the Turkish bath at the Arlington Baths Club has changed: there’s no longer a plunge pool or an in-house masseur. But members can still relax in the peaceful tranquility of the warm room and enjoy a natter in the hot room.
But this unique working relic of the Victorian age almost didn’t survive into the 21st century.
In the early 1970s the Club was struggling to attract new members in the era of new leisure centres and holidays abroad in the sun. One answer to this challenge was to develop new facilities, and as there was now some vacant ground next door where a tenement had been demolished, there was scope for expansion.
You can see the vacant land in this photo of the Turkish bath exterior on the Historic Environment Scotland Trove website.
A private developer suggested the best plan was to buy the vacant ground and close down the Turkish suite. In its place, build a modern extension to house two squash courts with a viewing gallery, a solarium, a board room, a lounge bar, kitchen and use the Turkish suite as a dining room.
These plans show the vision for the new extension.
Despite drawing up the plans, by late 1972 the private developer involved in the scheme had decided that the £147,000 price tag made the proposal unprofitable. But as the land remained empty, the management board of the Club continued to discuss this option until the early 1980s.
Eventually retirement flats flats went up on the plot and the Turkish bath was no longer under threat!
The next big challenge is climate change. With a commitment to reducing carbon emissions, the Arlington Baths Club is looking at new energy-efficient and sustainable ways to heat the Turkish bath so that future members can continue to enjoy this special space.
Researchers: Will Jess and Lucy Janes
Arlington Baths Club History Group 