Govanhill Baths Community Benefit Society (GBCBS) was established in 2017. The Society is a democratic community-owned social enterprise, and is run by a board of directors, elected annually by its members. The purpose of GBCBS is to ensure the building remains in the hands of the community. This is achieved through exclusive charitable objects and a charitable asset lock, preventing members from making a capital gain by selling or closing the business for a profit. Therefore, the Baths will never be able to become privately owned and taken out of community ownership.
GBCBS will take on the work of the Govanhill Baths Community Trust when the Baths reopens as a Health and Wellbeing Centre. The GBCBS Board of Directors meet in person to continue to update members on the progress of the refurbishment and to liaise with Govanhill Baths Community Trust and the Govanhill Baths Building Preservation Trust about the capital build.
GBCBS has been running the popular Sponsor a Tile campaign since it launched in 2021. For a minimum donation of £25, or £30 with a Gift Certificate, members of the public can sponsor a tile in a permanent mural that will be on public display in Govanhill Baths when it reopens. Each handmade 5cm by 5cm tile will be engraved with a name of the sponsor’s choosing and have been in demand as a unique gift for a friend or family member. The funds raised through the campaign will go towards vital equipment enabling equal access and facilities for all. To date, an impressive 480 tiles have been sponsored, raising over £13,000.