Perth and Kinross Council is set to invest £97 million in an ambitious overhaul of its leisure facilities, including two options for a new PH2O centre in Perth city centre that incorporate flumes and enhanced leisure water features.

The updated proposals, responding to a mandate from Councillors to explore leisure water provision, aim to deliver long-term benefits for communities across the region while remaining affordable and aligned with the Council's strategic priorities. The plans will be considered at a Council meeting on Wednesday, 18 June 2025.

Council Leader Grant Laing expressed his satisfaction with the progress: "This is a really positive step forward. We asked officers to explore how we could deliver a leisure water offer that meets the ambitions of our communities — and they've delivered."

He added that the proposals demonstrate the Council's ability to provide these features "while staying true to the principles agreed by Council last September: delivering the greatest impact from our capital investment and ensuring best value for our residents."

The development of PH2O at Thimblerow is intended to allow Perth Leisure Pool to remain operational until the new facility opens, ensuring continued access to swimming in Perth. The funding strategy for PH2O has also created opportunities for broader improvements across Perth and Kinross's sport and leisure infrastructure.

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"By making the most of the funding previously allocated for PH2O, we've also created the opportunity to do even more to secure the future for sport and leisure across Perth and Kinross," Councillor Laing explained. "The proposals being put before Council will also allow us to identify the funding to progress with much-needed upgrades and improvements to the pools in Kinross and Crieff, as well as providing a funded pathway to a sustainable future for Bell's Sports Centre."

Beyond leisure, the report also outlines a proposal to allocate part of the Glover Street site, which will become available after PH2O at Thimblerow opens, to Capability Scotland. This would facilitate the charity's relocation from its current Upper Springland site, securing its future in Perth and providing new supported accommodation in the city centre.

Depute Leader and Convener of the Economy and Infrastructure Committee Eric Drysdale highlighted the integrated approach: "This is a great example of how joined-up thinking can deliver real benefits for our communities. Not only are we investing in leisure and wellbeing, but we're also creating an opportunity for the valued service provided to residents and other clients at Capability Scotland to thrive in the heart of our city."

Councillor Drysdale concluded: "This is about more than buildings — it's about creating a supportive and welcoming environment in our communities where everyone can live life well."

The detailed proposals to be considered by Perth and Kinross Council include:

£74 million for PH2O at Thimblerow, featuring:

• A 25m 8-lane swimming pool with a movable floor.

• A 12.5m x 8.5m teaching pool.

• 5.5m flumes.

• An extended splashpad/aquatic children's play space.

• Holiday and weekend inflatables in the main pool.

• An indoor play area (Clip n' Climb/soft play or other family play activity).

• A six-court games hall.

• A fitness gym.

• Three flexible studios.

• A café.

£10m for Bell's Sports Centre, funding its transformation, including essential RAAC and asbestos removal. This confirms the development and future use of Bell's Sports Centre as an unheated, covered sports pitch/events space, a concept supported by 60% of respondents to a public consultation.

£13.2m investment in energy efficiency and building upgrades at Live Active Loch Leven (Kinross) and Strathearn Community Campus (Crieff). These upgrades aim to extend the lifespan of both facilities by a further 20 years and reduce emergency consumption by 75% and 80% respectively.

These combined proposals represent a sustainable, future-focused investment in leisure across Perth and Kinross, designed to support health and wellbeing, strengthen communities, and revitalise the city centre.