Perth’s Dewars Centre gym is proving a resounding success, attracting nearly 100,000 visitors since its opening last September. This impressive figure suggests it’s on course to eclipse attendance numbers previously seen at the gym’s former location within Bell’s Sports Centre.
Following the devastating flood damage to Bell’s Sports Centre caused by the open floodgates incident in October 2023, Live Active Leisure (LAL) relocated the gym equipment to the Dewars Centre, a venue primarily known for curling. This move has seen the Dewars Centre transformed into a comprehensive fitness hub, boasting a 100-station gym and two dedicated fitness studios. A Triumphant Transition
LAL Chief Executive Paul Cromwell recently updated Perth and Kinross Council’s scrutiny and performance committee on the Dewars Centre’s progress. The latest data reveals a remarkable 98,725 visits to the gym and fitness studios, with a diverse user base spanning ages 11 to 90. Notably, a significant portion of gym-goers are young people (11-17 years old) and older adults (over 64), representing one-quarter and one-tenth of total visitors, respectively. The Dewars Centre is also becoming a training ground for elite athletes, with over 40 current and aspiring Olympic and Commonwealth competitors using the facility for strength and conditioning. A Bright Future for Fitness in Perth
Mr. Cromwell expressed great satisfaction with these positive trends, stating that the monthly average of 16,000 usages is projected to surpass the benchmarks set by the renovated Bell’s Sports Centre gym. This achievement is particularly noteworthy, given the popularity of the previous facility, which had undergone a £750,000 upgrade shortly before the flood.
The relocation to Dewars Centre did necessitate repurposing the venue, requiring the removal of the indoor bowling rink to accommodate the gym facilities. This adaptation, however, has evidently been well-received by the public. Mr. Cromwell highlighted the gym’s broad appeal, saying, “The fact we have got better numbers than what was a really good facility at Bell’s gives us a clear reflection that people are enjoying the facilities.” He emphasized the centre’s role in supporting both community members and elite athletes across a variety of sports, from hockey and curling to basketball, swimming, judo, football, and athletics. Looking Ahead: The Future of Perth’s Leisure Facilities
While the Dewars Centre gym is flourishing, questions remain about the long-term future of both Dewars Centre and Bell’s Sports Centre. With the council’s approval of plans for a new PH2O leisure centre at the Thimblerow car park location, the roles of existing facilities are under review. A community-led campaign advocates for building PH2O at Glover Street, where the Dewars Centre and Perth Leisure Pool currently stand. Additionally, local sports organizations have voiced their concerns about the proposed conversion of Bell’s Sports Centre into an unheated events venue with indoor pitches. The council is set to re-evaluate these decisions in June, taking into account community feedback and the demonstrated success of the Dewars Centre gym.
This situation underscores the ongoing discussion regarding the future of leisure provisions in Perth. While the Dewars Centre’s success story offers encouraging prospects for community health and athletic development, the ultimate configuration of Perth’s sports and leisure landscape will be a key focus in the months to come.
The Courier previously campaigned for a new leisure facility in Perth that would provide for all sports, including leisure swimming and curling.
Following the devastating flood damage to Bell’s Sports Centre caused by the open floodgates incident in October 2023, Live Active Leisure (LAL) relocated the gym equipment to the Dewars Centre, a venue primarily known for curling. This move has seen the Dewars Centre transformed into a comprehensive fitness hub, boasting a 100-station gym and two dedicated fitness studios. A Triumphant Transition
LAL Chief Executive Paul Cromwell recently updated Perth and Kinross Council’s scrutiny and performance committee on the Dewars Centre’s progress. The latest data reveals a remarkable 98,725 visits to the gym and fitness studios, with a diverse user base spanning ages 11 to 90. Notably, a significant portion of gym-goers are young people (11-17 years old) and older adults (over 64), representing one-quarter and one-tenth of total visitors, respectively. The Dewars Centre is also becoming a training ground for elite athletes, with over 40 current and aspiring Olympic and Commonwealth competitors using the facility for strength and conditioning. A Bright Future for Fitness in Perth
Mr. Cromwell expressed great satisfaction with these positive trends, stating that the monthly average of 16,000 usages is projected to surpass the benchmarks set by the renovated Bell’s Sports Centre gym. This achievement is particularly noteworthy, given the popularity of the previous facility, which had undergone a £750,000 upgrade shortly before the flood.
The relocation to Dewars Centre did necessitate repurposing the venue, requiring the removal of the indoor bowling rink to accommodate the gym facilities. This adaptation, however, has evidently been well-received by the public. Mr. Cromwell highlighted the gym’s broad appeal, saying, “The fact we have got better numbers than what was a really good facility at Bell’s gives us a clear reflection that people are enjoying the facilities.” He emphasized the centre’s role in supporting both community members and elite athletes across a variety of sports, from hockey and curling to basketball, swimming, judo, football, and athletics. Looking Ahead: The Future of Perth’s Leisure Facilities
While the Dewars Centre gym is flourishing, questions remain about the long-term future of both Dewars Centre and Bell’s Sports Centre. With the council’s approval of plans for a new PH2O leisure centre at the Thimblerow car park location, the roles of existing facilities are under review. A community-led campaign advocates for building PH2O at Glover Street, where the Dewars Centre and Perth Leisure Pool currently stand. Additionally, local sports organizations have voiced their concerns about the proposed conversion of Bell’s Sports Centre into an unheated events venue with indoor pitches. The council is set to re-evaluate these decisions in June, taking into account community feedback and the demonstrated success of the Dewars Centre gym.
This situation underscores the ongoing discussion regarding the future of leisure provisions in Perth. While the Dewars Centre’s success story offers encouraging prospects for community health and athletic development, the ultimate configuration of Perth’s sports and leisure landscape will be a key focus in the months to come.
The Courier previously campaigned for a new leisure facility in Perth that would provide for all sports, including leisure swimming and curling.