A significant decision looms for Perth and Kinross Council: the future of the city’s leisure facilities. A proposed £97 million plan includes the construction of a state-of-the-art leisure center at Thimblerow, a move that has unexpectedly intertwined with the future of a local charity.
Capability Scotland, a charity providing vital services to individuals with complex needs, currently operates from its Upper Springland campus. This facility, with its care homes, day services, and hydrotherapy pool, is outdated and vulnerable to the potential flooding threat of the River Tay. Their long-held desire for a new, more accessible location has found itself unexpectedly tied to the council’s ambitious leisure redevelopment project. A Pivotal Partnership
The council’s plan to build a new £74 million leisure complex at Thimblerow involves the demolition of the existing Perth Leisure Pool on Glover Street. This has opened a unique opportunity: integrating Capability Scotland’s services into the heart of Perth. The charity has engaged in extensive discussions with the council and independent experts to ensure a smooth transition.
The proposed relocation would not only provide modern, accessible facilities for Capability Scotland’s clients and staff, but it would also significantly benefit the wider Perth community. The move to the Glover Street location is strategically advantageous, placing essential services more centrally for those who rely on them. Concerns and Counterarguments
The council’s broader leisure investment includes upgrades to swimming facilities in Crieff and Kinross, totaling £13.2 million, and a further £10 million allocated to renovating Bell’s Sports Centre, addressing structural concerns and environmental hazards like RAAC and asbestos removal. The council envisions this as a comprehensive improvement plan boosting local commerce and the overall well-being of Perth and Kinross residents.
However, some residents have expressed concerns regarding the proposed location for the new leisure center, citing potential surface water flooding issues near Glover Street, similar to those currently affecting Capability Scotland’s Upper Springland site. These concerns highlight the need for detailed, comprehensive mitigation strategies to be implemented before any significant construction commences. Community Debate and Protests
The debate surrounding the council’s leisure plans has sparked passionate community engagement. Local groups have organized protests against the proposals, advocating for the retention of Perth Leisure Pool at its current location, highlighting the convenience and long history of this beloved community landmark. Additional protestors are campaigning for Bell’s Sports Centre to continue operating in its current form as an indoor sports venue, suggesting that Thimblerow would be better served as a large car park to alleviate parking stress in the city centre.
The council, while acknowledging these concerns, emphasizes that constructing the leisure facility at Thimblerow will lead to increased footfall in the city center, improving local business prospects. The council’s proposal would also guarantee the continuation of the existing leisure pool’s operation until the new facility is fully operational, with the Glover Street site eventually being redeveloped. Meanwhile, discussions are ongoing with Scottish Curling, with the aim of a possible partnership to manage the Dewars Centre adjacent to the current leisure pool, potentially creating a larger combined leisure complex. Capability Scotland’s Perspective
Brian Logan, Capability Scotland’s chief executive, has defended the proposal. He emphasized that the decision was reached after significant deliberation and is in the best interest of the individuals the charity serves, stating: “This was not a decision taken lightly, but it’s the right one. Our unwavering focus is on delivering a sustainable, inclusive community that improves quality of life for the people we support. This revised route gives us the best opportunity to achieve that.” This statement underscores the charity’s commitment to its clients and highlights the importance of the new facility’s accessibility and suitability for the specific needs of those within their care.
The council’s decision is a delicate balancing act; balancing community needs and concerns with long-term sustainability and economic development. The outcome will significantly shape Perth and Kinross’s future leisure landscape, and the role played by Capability Scotland shows the complex interplay between community services and infrastructure projects. The upcoming council vote is likely to be closely watched by residents across Perth and Kinross, underscoring the high level of community interest and the significance of the decision.
The council meeting promises to be a significant event for Perth and Kinross, with residents eager to see the final decision. The outcome will greatly impact the lives of many, from those served by Capability Scotland to families utilizing the leisure center and beyond. The legacy of the decision will be felt for generations to come, shaping not only the recreational landscape but the community’s overall well-being.
Capability Scotland, a charity providing vital services to individuals with complex needs, currently operates from its Upper Springland campus. This facility, with its care homes, day services, and hydrotherapy pool, is outdated and vulnerable to the potential flooding threat of the River Tay. Their long-held desire for a new, more accessible location has found itself unexpectedly tied to the council’s ambitious leisure redevelopment project. A Pivotal Partnership
The council’s plan to build a new £74 million leisure complex at Thimblerow involves the demolition of the existing Perth Leisure Pool on Glover Street. This has opened a unique opportunity: integrating Capability Scotland’s services into the heart of Perth. The charity has engaged in extensive discussions with the council and independent experts to ensure a smooth transition.
The proposed relocation would not only provide modern, accessible facilities for Capability Scotland’s clients and staff, but it would also significantly benefit the wider Perth community. The move to the Glover Street location is strategically advantageous, placing essential services more centrally for those who rely on them. Concerns and Counterarguments
The council’s broader leisure investment includes upgrades to swimming facilities in Crieff and Kinross, totaling £13.2 million, and a further £10 million allocated to renovating Bell’s Sports Centre, addressing structural concerns and environmental hazards like RAAC and asbestos removal. The council envisions this as a comprehensive improvement plan boosting local commerce and the overall well-being of Perth and Kinross residents.
However, some residents have expressed concerns regarding the proposed location for the new leisure center, citing potential surface water flooding issues near Glover Street, similar to those currently affecting Capability Scotland’s Upper Springland site. These concerns highlight the need for detailed, comprehensive mitigation strategies to be implemented before any significant construction commences. Community Debate and Protests
The debate surrounding the council’s leisure plans has sparked passionate community engagement. Local groups have organized protests against the proposals, advocating for the retention of Perth Leisure Pool at its current location, highlighting the convenience and long history of this beloved community landmark. Additional protestors are campaigning for Bell’s Sports Centre to continue operating in its current form as an indoor sports venue, suggesting that Thimblerow would be better served as a large car park to alleviate parking stress in the city centre.
The council, while acknowledging these concerns, emphasizes that constructing the leisure facility at Thimblerow will lead to increased footfall in the city center, improving local business prospects. The council’s proposal would also guarantee the continuation of the existing leisure pool’s operation until the new facility is fully operational, with the Glover Street site eventually being redeveloped. Meanwhile, discussions are ongoing with Scottish Curling, with the aim of a possible partnership to manage the Dewars Centre adjacent to the current leisure pool, potentially creating a larger combined leisure complex. Capability Scotland’s Perspective
Brian Logan, Capability Scotland’s chief executive, has defended the proposal. He emphasized that the decision was reached after significant deliberation and is in the best interest of the individuals the charity serves, stating: “This was not a decision taken lightly, but it’s the right one. Our unwavering focus is on delivering a sustainable, inclusive community that improves quality of life for the people we support. This revised route gives us the best opportunity to achieve that.” This statement underscores the charity’s commitment to its clients and highlights the importance of the new facility’s accessibility and suitability for the specific needs of those within their care.
The council’s decision is a delicate balancing act; balancing community needs and concerns with long-term sustainability and economic development. The outcome will significantly shape Perth and Kinross’s future leisure landscape, and the role played by Capability Scotland shows the complex interplay between community services and infrastructure projects. The upcoming council vote is likely to be closely watched by residents across Perth and Kinross, underscoring the high level of community interest and the significance of the decision.
The council meeting promises to be a significant event for Perth and Kinross, with residents eager to see the final decision. The outcome will greatly impact the lives of many, from those served by Capability Scotland to families utilizing the leisure center and beyond. The legacy of the decision will be felt for generations to come, shaping not only the recreational landscape but the community’s overall well-being.