Work on the long-awaited replacement recreation centre in Blairgowrie could finally start in June.
That’s according to local councillor Bob Brawn, who provided an update on the much-delayed project at the most recent meeting of Blairgowrie and Rattray Community Council.
Cllr Brawn told those at the meeting, held at the BaRI Building on Blairgowrie High Street, that the user reference group for the project had met the previous week and that contracts are currently being finalised.
He said that once the contracts have been signed there would be a “six-week mobilisation period” as equipment comes on site and a temporary car park for 11 vehicles is constructed along Beeches Road.
Construction work would then get under way in June.
The meeting was told that the project would be delivered in two phases, with the first phase comprising the construction of the new centre and the all-weather pitch.
The second phase would include the demolition of the existing building and “making good the site”, including the parking areas and landscaping.
If the work does get under way in June, the first phase of the project should be completed by the end of 2024 – with phase two expected to finish around mid-2025.
Cllr Brawn said that construction traffic will be managed to minimise disruption to residents and that, as well as the temporary car park, the staff car park at Blairgowrie High School would be available as an overflow car park.
And he added that council officers are also looking to allow parking in the bus layby out of school hours.
Once constructed, the centre will have 57 parking spaces and six disabled spaces.
There will be charging facilities for electric vehicles as well as the infrastructure for further chargers to be installed subject to demand.
Cllr Brawn commented: “After many unforeseen delays, not least the Covid pandemic and the present construction inflation, and with the financial commitment agreed at the recent council meeting, we are now close to finalising formal contracts.
“Once agreed, equipment mobilisation will commence and the project started. Given a June start, phase one, the building of the new centre and accompanying all-weather pitch, should be completed by the end of 2024.
“Phase two, the demolition of the existing centre and the laying out of the new car park and relevant landscaping, is hoped to be completed during 2025.
“As previously reported, this new centre will be constructed to the Passivhaus design standard, only the second such centre in the UK, which ensures maximum energy efficiency utilising appropriate materials and maximising natural light wherever possible.
“The central showpiece will be the much requested six-lane pool.
“I’m sure my fellow ward councillors will join me in welcoming this good news.”
SNP councillor for Blairgowrie and Glens, Tom McEwan, said: “The meeting of the user group recently is a huge step forward for this project.
“Having the extra funding approved in the SNP capital budget in February was essential to cover the construction inflation costs resulting from the recent economic crash.
“With confidence to go forward with this essential project we are now close to final sign-off of the project contract and a move away from the delays of the last five years.
“This is one of the most important projects for east Perthshire, and for the wider provision of sport within Perth and Kinross.
“It has always been the number one priority for the SNP as modern, up-to-date sporting facilities are essential for our physical and mental health and wellbeing.”
Councillors voted to progress plans for the facility at Perth and Kinross Council’s budget meeting.
The approval came despite council officers previously recommending that the flagship project was put on hold due to wider budget constraints. The projected final bill for the project is now estimated to be £36 million – an increase of £9.3m on previous figures and around double the £17.7m first set aside when it was initially approved in 2017.
