Fresh optimism that leisure centre’s £25m revamp may happen

An opposition councillor says he feels “encouraged” that a £25 million refurbishment for Perth Leisure Pool might go ahead after all following fears it could be scrapped.

Perth and Kinross Council’s SNP group leader Dave Doogan previously expressed disappointment that plans for the leisure centre’s revamp, branded PH2O, had been withdrawn from the upcoming budget.

Blueprints had promised a swimming pool with enhanced family space and improved dedicated training lanes, more ice skating throughout the year, Olympic-standard curling facilities, a state-of-the-art gym, climbing wall, large areas for classes and personal training programmes.

It is understood the administration was considering redirecting the savings made from axing the project towards the redevelopment of Perth High School.

Mr Doogan asked strategic policy and resource committee convener, Liberal Democrat councillor Peter Barrett, why he did not see any reference to PH2O funding in the capital budget at the meeting on Wednesday.

Mr Barrett confirmed the plans did not feature at this moment in time.

He added: “I think our ambitions on that will become clear on the budget setting day of this council.”

The answer appeared to satisfy Mr Doogan, who believes his opposition have twisted the administration’s arm to keep the revamp on the table.

He said: “Mr Barrett indicated that we would have to wait until the council’s budget meeting on February 20.

“I am very encouraged by this and hope the Tories have finally seen sense and will invest in prioritising a much-needed new leisure centre for Perth and district.”

A council spokesperson said budget setting was a matter for elected members.