The opening of the much-anticipated new £36 million Blairgowrie Recreation Centre has been delayed due to a “small leak”.
A Perth and Kinross councillor was “horrified” to hear of the latest delay and is calling on the leak to be fixed as soon as possible.
Brexit, the COVID pandemic, a drainage issue, the war in Ukraine – causing market volatility – and now a leak have all been blamed for delays with the project.
The long-awaited facility is set to be Scotland’s first Passivhaus – ultra-low energy – swimming pool and recreation centre.
The brand new replacement two-storey Beeches Road building includes: a six-lane 25m swimming pool; a four-court sports hall; two-court sports hall/gymnasium; fitness suite; dance studio; several different changing facilities; office and a PE classroom. There is also a floodlit synthetic outdoor pitch.
The facilities will be used by both the local community and Blairgowrie High School.
The new facility has been built whilst the existing building remains in use. Only once the replacement opens will work begin on the demolition of the old Blairgowrie Rec.
The new centre was scheduled to open in December 2024 but it was agreed it would open early this year to avoid disruption to Blairgowrie High School’s prelim timetable, with exams being held in the venue.
However it now appears the opening has had to be pushed back yet again.
Independent Strathmore ward councillor Colin Stewart said: “I’m horrified to hear that the new pool at the new Blair Rec is leaking so the opening of the new centre will be delayed. Residents and taxpayers have been promised a replacement for years. The contractor (BAM), and the Council need to fix this ASAP.
“Residents who use Blair Rec have been looking forward to the new centre opening but this latest news is a kick in the teeth to them.”
A Perth and Kinross Council spokesperson said: “Blairgowrie Recreation Centre is a £36 million investment for the community of Eastern Perthshire that will be Scotland’s first sports centre built to Passivhaus standards.
“Given its importance to the community, handover of the building will not happen until we are satisfied it is ready to open. Currently, we are working with the contractor to repair a small leak.
“Once outstanding issues are resolved, we will announce an opening date for the new facility. In the meantime, the existing Recreation Centre remains operational.”