Leisure chief stresses the importance of timely delivery of Perth’s new PH2O centre and sports hall
Perthshire is undergoing changes in its leisure facilities, with the closure of Bell’s Sports Centre impacting the availability of indoor sports halls in the area. Paul Cromwell, the chief executive of Live Active Leisure, addressed councillors about the critical need for a new sports hall within Perth’s forthcoming PH2O leisure centre. Cromwell emphasised that prompt completion of the sports hall is vital to cater to the future demand for indoor sports facilities in the region.
After Live Active Leisure relocated its services from Bell’s Sports Centre to Dewars Centre on August 31, the reduction in indoor sports hall space became evident. In response to this challenge, efforts were made to accommodate all sports clubs that were displaced by the closure of Bell’s Sports Centre. Although most requests were successfully met, some groups meeting during school hours faced difficulties finding suitable alternative venues within the limited available space.
The report presented to the council highlighted the strain on existing sports halls located within schools, managed either by Live Active Leisure or Perth and Kinross Council. Despite reallocating numerous block booking requests from various groups, Cromwell pointed out the constraints on growth within the current facilities. He underlined the significance of incorporating a sports hall into the new PH2O centre to address the constraints and allow for future expansion in leisure services.
Following the council meeting, a Live Active Leisure spokesperson acknowledged the challenges faced by a few groups in securing suitable venues. Despite efforts to maximise the use of existing facilities, there remained limitations in accommodating all requests, particularly those seeking access during weekdays. The spokesperson reassured that steps were taken to connect these groups with alternative providers to fulfil their needs.
In summary, the shifting landscape of leisure facilities in Perthshire underscores the importance of adaptability and expansion in meeting the diverse needs of the community. The developments in Perth’s leisure infrastructure reflect a commitment to providing accessible and inclusive sports facilities for residents and clubs alike. As the region navigates through these transitions, collaboration between stakeholders and proactive solutions will be key to ensuring a robust and sustainable leisure sector for the future.