THE redevelopment of a historic bath house has taken another step forward as bosses have submitted a planning application to Glasgow City Council.

Since the council shut Govanhill Baths in 2001, the local community has been fighting to reopen the swimming pools.

The fight included an occupation of the building by local campaigners - one of the longest occupations in the UK's history.

Govanhill Baths Building Preservation Trust was formed to ensure the Edwardian building could be saved for the city.

And now plans have been submitted for approval by council planners with the hope that work will begin in the coming months.

Capital Director David Cook said: "Govanhill Baths Building Preservation Trust is pleased to be moving forward with design work for the baths’ redevelopment.

"Tendering is now underway with a view to starting on site in the spring."

Designed by architects Hall Black Douglas, the building will be turned into a £6.6 million health and wellbeing centre.

Last year the scheme was awarded £2.15m from the Scottish Government towards the plans.

The cash came from the Regeneration Capital Grant Fund (RCGF), a Scottish Government budget, developed in partnership with the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities and approved by the City Administration Committee.

It came after Govanhill Baths Community Trust had previously been rejected for government funding, causing a blow to plans.

Further funding for the project was raised by community shares - generating £268,750 from 565 shareholders.

The council’s City Administration Committee also granted £500,000 to the Govanhill Trust, which had given other funders’ confidence to commit to the project.

The B-listed building will turn into an impressive community hub for what is one of the city’s most deprived areas.

There are plans it will feature a gym, community cafe, community kitchen, hotdesk facilities for local businesses and meeting rooms.

Frances Diver, Govanhill Baths Secretary and one of those involved since the occupation in 2001, said: "This is another step closer to getting our beloved Baths reopened.

"This will be our 19th year of fighting to save this precious building.

"Not long now before we see the scaffolding up and refurbishment in full swing."