DELIGHT AT NEW SPORTS CENTRE
Blairgowrie could finally get a brand new, state-of-theart recreation centre if plans put forward by Perth and Kinross Council get the go-ahead from elected members on Wednesday this week.
Nearly £18million has been set aside for the much-needed facility as part of ambitious capital budget proposals which would see more than half a billion pounds invested across Perth and Kinross over the coming years.
Schools, jobs and infrastructure could all benefit from the proposals, which have been described by council leader Ian Miller as the most ambitious programme of investment ever put forward by PKC.
Although precise details have yet to be announced, it is understood the centre will incorporate a 25m competition-standard swimming pool as well as other state-of-the-art facilities.
Blairgowrie and the Glens SNP councillor Bob Ellis said: “I am delighted that Blairgowrie and Rattray will be getting a new recreation centre which will, as the present centre also does, serve the whole of east Perthshire and beyond.
“It is true to say that the present one is a bit past its sell-by date and needs a lot of work done on it so to get a complete new build is fantastic.
“This has been a long time coming and I could say that it is a pity that work cannot start sooner but there is a lot of preparative work to be done – so roll on 2020.
“Within the new building there will be a 25m swimming pool, which means that we will be able to hold competitions and galas, which is something that we couldn’t do before.
“What else goes in to the new building remains to be seen but I know that
there may well be calls for a climbing wall, which would be very beneficial as we have numerous climbing instructors in the area.
“I would say that extras like a climbing wall will have to be costed out and paid for by possibly other means and they do not come cheap.
“There have also been calls for an all-weather playing surface at the back of the high school, which is not included in these proposals, so again I would say let’s look at other options that may well come our way once plans have been drawn up.
“The recent charrette process in Blairgowrie that has been done by Stuart Nichol and other Blairgowrie and Rattray community councillors highlighted the need for new recreation premises so I am hoping that they too will be really happy with the proposals.”
Blairgowrie and Glens Conservative councillor Caroline Shiers has campaigned for several years for improved recreation and sports facilities in the town.
She said: “I am absolutely delighted that almost £18million is being proposed for investment in new recreation and sport facilities in Blairgowrie. This money will finally deliver the facilities east Perthshire has been needing for a long time.
“We are just at the start of the process and I do have concerns that we must ensure this is a facility that will benefit all in our community and not just the school.
“We must also ensure adequate parking on site and ensure public transport links. I look forward to discussions with officers and the community over the coming months and years.”
Morag Young, chair of Blairgowrie and Rattray Community Council, said: “It’s obviously great news for the town and the wider area but its really important we get this right from the outset.”
Derek Bissett, another long-term campaigner for improved recreation facilities in the town, was wary.
He said: “Blairgowrie needs and deserves a new recreation centre and I have always wanted a recreation centre for the town that residents and visitors can access and that is open to the public at all times.
“The problem I have with this is that it is a seven-year plan and nothing is set in stone yet.
“I am worried that the finances allocated on Wednesday might not be enough in seven years’ time. If we are going to have a recreation centre then tell us where it is going to be built, lay it all out for everyone to see, and do it sooner rather than later.”