A significant decision looms over Perth and Kinross: the future of its leisure facilities. A proposed £74 million plan for a new leisure centre at Thimblerow is facing intense scrutiny, pitting supporters against a vocal group of opponents. The debate, which has spanned over a decade since its initial proposal in 2014, has once again ignited passionate community engagement.
The initial PH2O project, first envisioned in 2014, promised a state-of-the-art complex boasting an array of features. This vision, however, has evolved significantly. The current proposal, unveiled last year, focuses on a different location in Thimblerow. This shift, however, hasn’t come without controversy. Key elements of the original plan, such as an ice rink and indoor bowling facility, are absent from the revised Thimblerow design. Revised Plans and Public Discontent
The council’s decision to pursue a revised project in Thimblerow, a decision made in September of last year with the support of the SNP administration and Liberal Democrat councillors, has not been universally welcomed. The modified design now incorporates water features such as flumes and a larger-than-originally planned water play area alongside an eight-lane pool, a smaller teaching pool, an indoor play area, a games hall, fitness facilities, and a café. However, a community group representing multiple sports organisations has publicly voiced strong reservations, referring to the plans as insufficient and hastily assembled. A protest is planned to coincide with a pivotal council vote scheduled for this Wednesday.
Adding fuel to the fire, a recent increase in the project’s cost—rising by £5 million in the last 10 months alone—further amplifies concerns. The council attributes this cost escalation to the ongoing design and planning stages. The continued delay and the additional costs are fueling concerns about the project’s financial viability. Political Divisions and Potential Consequences
The controversy extends beyond the community, dividing the political landscape of Perth and Kinross. While the Liberal Democrat leader has publicly endorsed the updated design, arguing for an end to protracted negotiations and emphasizing the enhanced features compared to previous iterations, a significant portion of the council previously voted against the Thimblerow site. A significant number of council members from various political parties remain unconvinced, suggesting alternatives such as rebuilding the pool and leisure centre on the existing Glover Street site.
The implications of choosing the Glover Street location, however, are significant. The council’s assessment indicates that opting for that site would incur considerably higher costs and, potentially, result in job losses. Such a scenario would raise significant concerns regarding the feasibility and viability of the project and could lead to lengthy delays. Wider Implications and Community Concerns
Beyond the immediate issues of cost and location, the future of the existing Perth Leisure Pool and Dewars Centre, which currently serve the community, hangs in the balance. The closure of these well-established facilities would result in substantial disruption to local sports clubs and other community initiatives, particularly for curling enthusiasts. The potential loss of jobs for Live Active Leisure staff is another major concern voiced by the opponents of the project. This makes the choice even more critical to the livelihood of several community members and the sustainability of local recreation programs.
The broader £97 million package of improvement, which also encompasses funding for swimming facilities in Crieff and Kinross, and the refurbishment of Bell’s Sports Centre, are closely tied to the outcome. The future of Bell’s Sports Centre, earmarked for a multi-purpose transformation—involving removal of hazardous materials and significant upgrades—is also linked to the success of the broader leisure investment.
The council’s proposal for Capability Scotland to relocate to the site of the demolished Perth Leisure Pool once the Thimblerow centre opens underscores the far-reaching impact of the decision. Negotiations with Scottish Curling on the Dewars Centre’s management suggest that the project will have a wide-ranging impact on the future of sports provision and community welfare throughout Perth and Kinross.
This Wednesday’s vote promises to be a critical juncture for Perth and Kinross, shaping the landscape of leisure and recreation for years to come. The community’s passionate engagement reflects the deep-seated importance of accessible, high-quality leisure facilities for the well-being and cultural richness of the region.
The initial PH2O project, first envisioned in 2014, promised a state-of-the-art complex boasting an array of features. This vision, however, has evolved significantly. The current proposal, unveiled last year, focuses on a different location in Thimblerow. This shift, however, hasn’t come without controversy. Key elements of the original plan, such as an ice rink and indoor bowling facility, are absent from the revised Thimblerow design. Revised Plans and Public Discontent
The council’s decision to pursue a revised project in Thimblerow, a decision made in September of last year with the support of the SNP administration and Liberal Democrat councillors, has not been universally welcomed. The modified design now incorporates water features such as flumes and a larger-than-originally planned water play area alongside an eight-lane pool, a smaller teaching pool, an indoor play area, a games hall, fitness facilities, and a café. However, a community group representing multiple sports organisations has publicly voiced strong reservations, referring to the plans as insufficient and hastily assembled. A protest is planned to coincide with a pivotal council vote scheduled for this Wednesday.
Adding fuel to the fire, a recent increase in the project’s cost—rising by £5 million in the last 10 months alone—further amplifies concerns. The council attributes this cost escalation to the ongoing design and planning stages. The continued delay and the additional costs are fueling concerns about the project’s financial viability. Political Divisions and Potential Consequences
The controversy extends beyond the community, dividing the political landscape of Perth and Kinross. While the Liberal Democrat leader has publicly endorsed the updated design, arguing for an end to protracted negotiations and emphasizing the enhanced features compared to previous iterations, a significant portion of the council previously voted against the Thimblerow site. A significant number of council members from various political parties remain unconvinced, suggesting alternatives such as rebuilding the pool and leisure centre on the existing Glover Street site.
The implications of choosing the Glover Street location, however, are significant. The council’s assessment indicates that opting for that site would incur considerably higher costs and, potentially, result in job losses. Such a scenario would raise significant concerns regarding the feasibility and viability of the project and could lead to lengthy delays. Wider Implications and Community Concerns
Beyond the immediate issues of cost and location, the future of the existing Perth Leisure Pool and Dewars Centre, which currently serve the community, hangs in the balance. The closure of these well-established facilities would result in substantial disruption to local sports clubs and other community initiatives, particularly for curling enthusiasts. The potential loss of jobs for Live Active Leisure staff is another major concern voiced by the opponents of the project. This makes the choice even more critical to the livelihood of several community members and the sustainability of local recreation programs.
The broader £97 million package of improvement, which also encompasses funding for swimming facilities in Crieff and Kinross, and the refurbishment of Bell’s Sports Centre, are closely tied to the outcome. The future of Bell’s Sports Centre, earmarked for a multi-purpose transformation—involving removal of hazardous materials and significant upgrades—is also linked to the success of the broader leisure investment.
The council’s proposal for Capability Scotland to relocate to the site of the demolished Perth Leisure Pool once the Thimblerow centre opens underscores the far-reaching impact of the decision. Negotiations with Scottish Curling on the Dewars Centre’s management suggest that the project will have a wide-ranging impact on the future of sports provision and community welfare throughout Perth and Kinross.
This Wednesday’s vote promises to be a critical juncture for Perth and Kinross, shaping the landscape of leisure and recreation for years to come. The community’s passionate engagement reflects the deep-seated importance of accessible, high-quality leisure facilities for the well-being and cultural richness of the region.