The Press and Journal (Inverness, Highlands, and Islands)
Builder in place for £2.7m upgrade of Thurso pool
A contractor has been appointed to build a new £2.7million sporting facility in Thurso.
The money will be spent on upgrading Thurso Swimming Pool, including providing a new dance studio, steam room, sauna, new changing village and replacement of the roof of the building.
Existing facilities will be refurbished with a full redecoration planned, new reception area, reconfigured storage, the existing gym will become a strength and conditioning/wellness hub and the pool being retiled.
The facility is managed by High Life Highland and the upgrade will be jointly funded by Highland Council and sportscotland.
Thurso-based contractor O’Brien Construction Ltd have been appointed to build the upgraded facility.
Donald McLachlan, High Life Highland chairman, said: “We are committed to providing the best facilities and service for our customers and this investment will bring first class leisure facilities to the area that Thurso can be proud of.
“I am sure the result will prove to be hugely popular with the local community”.
Bill Alexander, Highland Council’s director of care and learning said: “Providing first class sport and leisure facilities that will improve the health and wellbeing of local people is a key priority.
“Highland Council is pleased to fund this major pool refurbishment through £1.45 million from our care and learning service and £950,000 from our development and infrastructure service capital budgets.
“When added to the £300,000 sportscotland grant funding, this represents a significant investment to improve the pool and associated facilities in Thurso.”
Stewart Harris, chief executive of sportscotland said: “We are building a world class sporting system for everyone in Scotland and this £300,000 investment into the Thurso Swimming Pool redevelopment is a key part of this.
“By providing access to flexible, inclusive changing facilities and improving the sports provision in the area, it will mean more and betteropportunities for people to take part in sport and physical activity.
“This redevelopment will enhance the provision to local clubs within the hub and serve as a centre for athlete development, with the inclusion of the strength and conditioning facilities delivered in partnership with the sportscotland Institute of Sport.”