After years of anticipation and significant investment, Blairgowrie’s cutting-edge leisure centre has finally opened its doors, welcoming residents from across Eastern Perthshire. This state-of-the-art £36 million facility was a much-needed addition to the area, promising modern amenities for fitness, swimming, and various sports. To truly assess its impact and value, one local enthusiast embarked on a month-long mission, rigorously testing every aspect of the new complex.
The extensive evaluation included weekly visits to the gymnasium, regular swims in the aquatic facilities, participation in diverse fitness classes, and practical engagement with the outdoor AstroTurf pitches. The overall sentiment following this comprehensive trial period is overwhelmingly positive, highlighting the success of this major community project. Inside the State-of-the-Art Gymnasium
Initial impressions of the gymnasium revealed it to be more compact than anticipated. However, any early concerns about overcrowding quickly dissipated after the initial opening rush. The reviewer found consistent access to a wide array of equipment, including various treadmills, robust squat racks, versatile cable machines, and the highly valued Smith machine – catering to a broad spectrum of workout routines.
For those mindful of their finances, the Live Active membership structure offers commendable value. The adult joint membership, for instance, provides access for two individuals at a competitive monthly rate, encompassing all facilities under a single, convenient booking system. This integrated approach ensures that fitness enthusiasts can easily schedule their preferred activities without managing multiple subscriptions. A Refreshing Dip in the Aquatic Centre
The new swimming pool represents a significant upgrade from its predecessor, a site holding many cherished memories for long-time residents who learned to swim there. While acknowledging the bittersweet transition, the modern design and enhanced features of the new pool are a definite improvement. The changing areas, in particular, are a welcome departure from older designs, offering a more comfortable and hygienic experience.
Despite earlier reports of minor construction setbacks, the pool itself is notably larger and more functional. Expansive, floor-to-ceiling windows bathe the entire space in natural light, creating an inviting atmosphere. The inclusion of dedicated spectator benches also transforms the pool area into an ideal venue for local swimming competitions and community aquatic events. During off-peak morning hours, swimmers often find ample space, with lanes either exclusively available or shared with just one other person. Diverse Fitness Class Offerings
The leisure centre boasts an impressive timetable of fitness classes, catering to a wide array of preferences and intensity levels. Options range from virtual dance and Metafit to barbell pump, spin, sprint, aerobics, body balance, body pump, body attack, Pilates, gentle yoga, virtual RPM, Aquafit, and body combat. While the reviewer focused primarily on Pilates, the breadth of choice is certainly a highlight.
Having previously overlooked Pilates, the reviewer was pleasantly surprised by its effectiveness and quickly integrated it into their weekly routine. The instructors are lauded for their expertise and ability to adapt exercises for all fitness levels and mobilities. The main challenge, however, is the immense popularity of these classes, which frequently reach full capacity. Members are advised to book up to three weeks in advance via the dedicated app or utilise the waitlist feature for desired sessions. The Game-Changing AstroTurf Pitch
Perhaps one of the most impactful additions for local sports groups is the brand-new AstroTurf pitch. For the Blairgowrie Hockey Club, this facility has ended a 15-year hiatus from hosting home games within their own town. The emotional significance of finally welcoming a visiting team onto their local pitch, despite a narrow loss, was immeasurable. Previously, the club resorted to training on a smaller, often slippery pitch in Coupar Angus.
Since relocating to the new AstroTurf, the club has witnessed a notable surge in new players joining training sessions, a clear testament to the appeal of high-quality local sports facilities. However, the enhanced quality comes with a higher hiring cost compared to their previous Dundee-based pitch, necessitating additional fundraising efforts from the club. Despite this, the AstroTurf remains an invaluable, long-awaited asset for both local sports organisations and students of Blairgowrie High School, representing a substantial long-term investment in the community’s active lifestyle and well-being.
The extensive evaluation included weekly visits to the gymnasium, regular swims in the aquatic facilities, participation in diverse fitness classes, and practical engagement with the outdoor AstroTurf pitches. The overall sentiment following this comprehensive trial period is overwhelmingly positive, highlighting the success of this major community project. Inside the State-of-the-Art Gymnasium
Initial impressions of the gymnasium revealed it to be more compact than anticipated. However, any early concerns about overcrowding quickly dissipated after the initial opening rush. The reviewer found consistent access to a wide array of equipment, including various treadmills, robust squat racks, versatile cable machines, and the highly valued Smith machine – catering to a broad spectrum of workout routines.
For those mindful of their finances, the Live Active membership structure offers commendable value. The adult joint membership, for instance, provides access for two individuals at a competitive monthly rate, encompassing all facilities under a single, convenient booking system. This integrated approach ensures that fitness enthusiasts can easily schedule their preferred activities without managing multiple subscriptions. A Refreshing Dip in the Aquatic Centre
The new swimming pool represents a significant upgrade from its predecessor, a site holding many cherished memories for long-time residents who learned to swim there. While acknowledging the bittersweet transition, the modern design and enhanced features of the new pool are a definite improvement. The changing areas, in particular, are a welcome departure from older designs, offering a more comfortable and hygienic experience.
Despite earlier reports of minor construction setbacks, the pool itself is notably larger and more functional. Expansive, floor-to-ceiling windows bathe the entire space in natural light, creating an inviting atmosphere. The inclusion of dedicated spectator benches also transforms the pool area into an ideal venue for local swimming competitions and community aquatic events. During off-peak morning hours, swimmers often find ample space, with lanes either exclusively available or shared with just one other person. Diverse Fitness Class Offerings
The leisure centre boasts an impressive timetable of fitness classes, catering to a wide array of preferences and intensity levels. Options range from virtual dance and Metafit to barbell pump, spin, sprint, aerobics, body balance, body pump, body attack, Pilates, gentle yoga, virtual RPM, Aquafit, and body combat. While the reviewer focused primarily on Pilates, the breadth of choice is certainly a highlight.
Having previously overlooked Pilates, the reviewer was pleasantly surprised by its effectiveness and quickly integrated it into their weekly routine. The instructors are lauded for their expertise and ability to adapt exercises for all fitness levels and mobilities. The main challenge, however, is the immense popularity of these classes, which frequently reach full capacity. Members are advised to book up to three weeks in advance via the dedicated app or utilise the waitlist feature for desired sessions. The Game-Changing AstroTurf Pitch
Perhaps one of the most impactful additions for local sports groups is the brand-new AstroTurf pitch. For the Blairgowrie Hockey Club, this facility has ended a 15-year hiatus from hosting home games within their own town. The emotional significance of finally welcoming a visiting team onto their local pitch, despite a narrow loss, was immeasurable. Previously, the club resorted to training on a smaller, often slippery pitch in Coupar Angus.
Since relocating to the new AstroTurf, the club has witnessed a notable surge in new players joining training sessions, a clear testament to the appeal of high-quality local sports facilities. However, the enhanced quality comes with a higher hiring cost compared to their previous Dundee-based pitch, necessitating additional fundraising efforts from the club. Despite this, the AstroTurf remains an invaluable, long-awaited asset for both local sports organisations and students of Blairgowrie High School, representing a substantial long-term investment in the community’s active lifestyle and well-being.