Developing a dedicated Intergenerational Shared Space in Knightswood
 As a recognised Community Anchor Organisation, Knightswood Community SCIO (KCSCIO) has been leading the way in seeking an alternative community use for the now derelict Knightswood Swimming Pool, which closed on Thursday 25th March 2010.
Although Glasgow Life is still responsible for the pool building on behalf of Glasgow City Council, KCSCIO is the charity that operates the adjoining Knightswood Community Centre. KCSCIO was awarded funding by the Scottish Government to come up with new plans, explore options and stimulate interest in regenerating the disused pool building, and had the approval and support of Glasgow Life and the Council in undertaking this research and development work.
Initially, KCSCIO carried out a community consultation exercise in 2018-19. This involved over 250 people and concluded that an Intergenerational Shared Space (IGSS) was the preferred use for the disused swimming pool building. This would host a mix of services for children, young people and older people, as well as a range of formal activities and informal opportunities for them to interact.
A multi-agency Steering Group was then established in September 2020 with the aim of helping to develop the former swimming pool into an IGSS, the first purpose-built intergenerational building in the UK. The group included representatives from Glasgow Life, Glasgow Housing Association, CEIS, Knightswood Connects, Generations Working Together and Knightswood Community SCIO. In February 2021, architects INCH Architecture and Design was appointed to appraise, review, as well as make recommendations and produce design proposals for the future redevelopment of the former pool building. INCH Architecture and Design worked in partnership with the IGSS Steering Group and has now produced concept drawings for the former swimming pool as well as Feasibility Design Report
Although KCSCIO has been spearheading the IGSS development to date, the project is now at the stage of seeking one or more third sector organisations working in the social care sector to turn the concept into a reality.
If anyone would like more information on this project, please contact: Gordon Giles (Development Officer) on 0141 959 9419 or email: development@knightswoods.co.uk
