Leisure chief says “prompt” delivery of Perth’s new PH2O centre and its sports hall is “critical”

Leisure chief stresses urgency in delivering Perth’s new PH2O centre and sports hall

The closure of Bell’s Sports Centre has created a need for additional indoor sports hall space in Perth. Live Active Leisure chief executive, Paul Cromwell, emphasised the importance of promptly delivering a sports hall within the upcoming PH2O leisure centre to meet the future demand for such facilities.

Following the closure of Bell’s Sports Centre, all sports clubs affected have been relocated to new venues, except for a few groups that could not be accommodated due to scheduling conflicts during school hours. Mr. Cromwell addressed Perth and Kinross Council’s Scrutiny and Performance Committee, highlighting the critical need for a new sports hall.

Live Active Leisure recently withdrew its services from Bell’s Sports Centre, relocating its gym and fitness studios to Dewars Centre, which significantly reduced the available indoor sports hall space in Perth. In a report to the committee, Mr. Cromwell explained that the demand for indoor sports facilities could surpass their availability, especially considering the limited existing options within schools in Perth City.

Despite facing challenges in reallocating block booking requests from various groups, Live Active Leisure managed to offer space to almost all of them. Mr. Cromwell mentioned that while they have balanced access for coached, club, and casual usage this year, there is minimal room for growth within the current facilities. He underscored the essential need for a sports hall in the forthcoming PH2O centre to cater to future demands adequately.

Following the meeting, a Live Active Leisure spokesperson acknowledged that a few groups had difficulty finding suitable venues due to daytime availability constraints. Efforts were made to maximise the use of existing facilities, prioritising registered clubs within the Perth and Kinross Accredited Club Excellence Scheme.

In conclusion, the delivery of Perth’s new PH2O leisure centre with a sports hall is deemed crucial by Mr. Cromwell to address the increasing demand for indoor sports facilities in the region. The commitment to meet future needs and provide suitable spaces for sports clubs remains a top priority for Live Active Leisure.

Insights:
Ensuring access to adequate sports facilities is essential for promoting physical activity and maintaining a healthy lifestyle within communities. The proactive approach taken by Live Active Leisure to address the challenges caused by the closure of Bell’s Sports Centre demonstrates a commitment to supporting local sports clubs and meeting the needs of residents in Perth. By prioritising the timely delivery of new facilities like the PH2O centre, the leisure chief highlights the organisation’s dedication to enhancing sports opportunities for all members of the community.