By Jonathan Blackburn
Copyright glasgowlive
Dennistoun residents have blasted the continued closure of Whitehill Pool as “massively shortsighted” as a fresh campaign is launched to reopen the centre.
The east end pool closed in December 2023 after reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) was discovered. It is currently the only swimming pool in Glasgow not reopening ahead of the Commonwealth Games.
A campaign event and fundraiser is to be held on Friday (September 19) as residents redouble efforts to have the pool reopened.
Dennistoun resident Molly Quinn said: “Whitehill swimming pool has given me community, life skills and job opportunities, and it’s an asset to the Dennistoun community. It feels so unfair and massively shortsighted that Glasgow Life and Glasgow City Council aren’t making it a priority.”
According to Dennistoun councillor Allan Casey, Whitehill Pool already required investment of £18m to bring it up to standard before RAAC was found. Replacing the pool roof is estimated at £5.8m after the RAAC discovery.
In March, the local community council shared footage of litter scattered around the unused pool. Glasgow Life, the city council’s culture and sport wing said officers would “discuss what is achievable at Whitehill Pool with the money available”.
In 2019, a leaked council budget proposal listed Whitehill Pool among several facilities at risk of closure. The threat drew residents to a packed public meeting that led to the establishment of the Save Whitehill Pool campaign group.
Despite intermittent reopening and funding discussions, the pool returned only briefly after the Covid pandemic, operating on reduced hours until the discovery of RAAC forced an indefinite closure.
No long-term investment has been secured, leaving Dennistoun without a clear plan for the facility. In April, a public meeting revitalised the Save Whitehill Pool campaign, bringing together long-standing supporters and new members of the community.
Following Whitehill’s closure, Dennistoun residents were directed to other facilities. Among the alternatives, Springburn Pool is now shut for refurbishment until 2026. Other venues listed by Glasgow Life include Easterhouse, Crownpoint, Tollcross and Gorbals.
In recent years, residents in Dennistoun have also lost access to Alexandra Park Hub and Bluevale Community Hall, which residents claim is leaving a significant gap in local community infrastructure.
Local resident Molly added: “Above all, Whitehill gave me a place to go where I had friends of all ages, which brought great stability to my life as a young person.
“It will be devastating if Whitehill Pool is allowed to close for good. Glasgow is infamous for the poor health of its residents, and we need proper health and leisure facilities if this is going to improve in the long term.”
A fresh campaign is to be launched to save the pool this week, with a launch night at St Rollox Bowling Club from 7pm on Friday (September 19). The launch night and fundraiser will feature a raffle with prizes donated by local businesses, and local DJs and bands, with performances from DJ Michael Rooney and DJ Dakilei.
Attendees will also hear from the Save the Whitehill Pool campaign group and Living Rent members about the campaign.
Bill Stark, Chair of the Save Whitehill Pool campaign group, said: “The community demands that Whitehill Pool and the ‘dry side’ facilities are reinstated. The Campaign continues to champion this demand.
“A swimming pool is a unique facility – nothing else can provide an opportunity for the whole community to take part in physical activity.
“From parents who can take babies only weeks old, to senior age groups, some of whom may have health or mobility issues, can participate safely in physical activity. In many cases, this can also benefit mental health.
“With regard to the ‘dry side’ facilities: The Gymnasium was always busy, classes in the Dance Studio and Spin Studio were normally fully booked out. “The Campaign is fully committed to gathering evidence to support the business case for a new or fully refurbished facility. We are working with Glasgow Life to develop a sound business case.
“The next steps involve applying pressure through canvassing, to elected members at all levels, from local councillors, MSPs and MPs.”
Mary Ann Townsley, Chair of Living Rent Dennistoun Branch, said: “Whitehill Pool has been at the heart of Dennistoun for decades. Its closure is a major blow to local families, schoolchildren and elderly residents who rely on it not only for health and fitness, but also for friendship and social interaction.
“The loss of Whitehill Pool has significantly impacted daily life, affecting not only sporting activities but also everyday routines that promote well-being, connection, and support. These are necessities, not luxuries. Residents told us that the alternative pools are all located outside the local area, which adds extra travel time and costs for families who are already under pressure from the economic and housing crises.
“Many are discouraged from using them, or give up. As a community-rooted union, Living Rent fully supports the Save Whitehill Pool campaign group. Dennistoun residents must have their swimming pool back.”
In March, a spokesperson for Glasgow Life said: “Glasgow City Council confirmed its available capital programme funding as part of the budget passed on 20 February.
“Officers will continue to discuss what is achievable at Whitehill Pool with the money available, based on proposals we have been developing since the discovery of RAAC in late 2023.
“When we have confirmation of next steps, we will discuss this with our stakeholders and users as soon as possible.”
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