The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Worries gym could ‘harm’ sport clubs
Plans to install 100 workout stations at a Perth sports facility could prove “extremely detrimental” to sports clubs, including national teams.
Live Active wants to create a new fitness gym at the Bell’s Sports Centre as part of a £750,000 refurbishment.
But it would mean the loss of the centre’s coaching hall, used by volleyball, netball and badminton clubs.
Some have joined forces to implore Live Active to reconsider.
Representatives of three organisations fear the prestigious National Badminton Championships could not be held in Perth, the loss of the sprung wooden floor could result in injury to players and that teams will find it more difficult to book training slots.
The refurbishment should be complete by spring.
Live Active will convert the coaching hall into a gym with cardio and resistance equipment. Functional and strength training equipment will also feature.
It comes after what bosses described as the “incredibly difficult” last 18 months, adding that access to sport facilities are “crucial for the wellbeing of everyone”.
All fitness activities will be moved from Live Active Rodney, creating a fitness hub at Bell’s Sports Centre.
One of those opposing the plan is the former president of Badminton Scotland, Ian Brown.
Although retired, he is part of the new “Save our Coaching Hall” campaign.
Ian described the hall as one of the “best sprung wooden floored halls in the country”, with excellent height and lighting.
He fears players could be injured if they are forced to move to a hard-tiled floor.
“The Scottish National Badminton Championships have been held in the coaching hall since 2002,” he said.
“The event could not be held in the main dome area of Bell’s Sports Centre as no international coach (or the players themselves) will allow his or her players to play on such a hard surface and risk injury.”
Perth District Volleyball secretary, Ian Innes, has been playing volleyball at Bell’s since 1974.
He says Perth is already “well provided with fitness facilities” and is concerned the plans would mean bookings would become more difficult for teams who train at the centre.
He said: “Part of the rationale for the decision is that the displaced sports can go to other facilities.
“But the general public will not have first call on these as there are schools and the college who will have to provide for their own customer base first.
“Also, even now with the coaching hall, we cannot be guaranteed to get the bookings we want.”
David Munro, Perth District Volleyball organiser since 1985, hopes an agreement can be reached. He said: “We wonder what other options have been discussed and thought about before deciding on the coaching hall solution.”
Live Active Leisure insists team sport will still be offered at Bell’s Sports Centre. Chairman David Maclehose said: “We will be engaging with other sports hall providers and partners at Perth College and Perth and Kinross Council to continue to work together to support sporting pathways and club development in Perth.”