Maindee Baths has been bought by a community loving family whose intention is to completely renovate the building, bring it back to its former glory and then have it put to good use for the benefit of the entire community.
This huge, extremely costly and demanding project requires the support of the community from the beginning - and although it's already off to a great start - it really does need to keep recruiting all the new friends and supporters it can muster! Friends with ideas, friends who can offer practical help, friends who can make or help raise donations, friends who will sponsor, or friends who will just voice their support and somehow, someway, get involved to help keep this huge restoration project running!
The project managers are about to launch a dedicated website, which will act as a forum, for all news, views and stories of interest. It'll keep you updated on progress and fundraising events - and we invite you all to 'Become a friend' and help the cause, by telling everybody you know about it!
A former focal point of the community, where thousands of Newport residents went with their families and friends and learned to swim and had fun, it has remained empty in recent years - the only visitors being vandals, addicts and arsonists. The once grand features of this Maindee landmark became an eyesore - and yet still the council did nothing about it.
In December 2009, Kay and Gary Gassor purchased this neglected and derelict - Grade II listed - building. They believe the people of Newport have fond memories of happy days at the baths, and that with their help, generations of 'Newportians' will be able once again, to enjoy themselves and relax in a real-community centre. Properly restored, the building could be utilised by the younger generation and reduce the number of bored teenagers hanging around on street corners with nothing to do!
It could house a cyber-cafe or coffee shop. A cafeteria? A games room? Nothing has been decided - save, that whatever the result, it will be for the community at large! As to what it does eventually become, will be decided by a majority of the people-involved in the restoration.
If you have an opinion - Get in touch!
If you want to share your memories of Maindee Baths - Get in touch!
If you want to help, in any way - then please: Get in touch!