The transformation of the Coaching Hall at Bell’s Sports Centre is complete with a sprawling new 100-station gym ready to open to the public this weekend.
We got a look inside the new flagship gym this week - complete with a state-of-the-art weight training facility - and three new fitness studios.
The £750,000 project has seen sweeping changes to the Coaching Hall, which attracted criticism from local sports figures , as the future of Live Active Rodney remains undecided.
In February, former Perth and District Badminton Association president Ian Brown, Perth District Volleyball organiser David Munro and secretary of Perth and Kinross Volleyball Ian Innes sent a seven-page letter calling for the plans to be scrapped and deeming the proposal “a major mistake”.
But this did not stop the project with the new gym set to open to the public this weekend from 7.30am on Saturday, July 9.
Showing the PA around the impressive new space, Live Active’s programming and fitness manager Graeme Lackie said: “We have a vision to create a space that is vibrant, busy and with as many groups as possible.
“It’s all brand new equipment. What we have is a large space. It’s a gym but it’s three or four gyms within a gym. And we cater for as many different customers as we can.”
As well as the familiar sight of treadmills and exercise bikes, there is also the Torque Tank and the gym’s showpiece - the Magnum MEGA Rack.
Mr Lackie explained: “The Magnum MEGA Rack is for weight training and functional training. We like to think it allows us to offer something different.”
Those behind the project say the gym is fully equipped to help the stars of the future with their training.
Curling gold medallist Eve Muirhead, golf’s Bradley Neil and Olympic swimmer Stephen Milne are just some of the local sporting heroes to come through Live Active Leisure’s Talented Athlete Scheme. And Live Active is keen to attract even more sporting stars with the range of equipment it has on offer all under one roof.
Mr Lackie said: “We’ve got a space now where we can offer a strength and conditioning course. We’ll have a period of education first and then we want to be able to target sports clubs.”
There is also equipment for all abilities including a Krankcycle for wheelchair-users to work on upper body strength and equipment for those who have had GP referrals.
Gary Watson, director of operational services, said: “This project rejuvenates the customer offer and provides outstanding fitness facilities to complement and integrate with the wide range of sports and events that are delivered in the venue’s domed main arena and squash courts and the wider offer on the North Inch.
“This investment in Bell’s Sports Centre will deliver significant health benefits to the residents of Perth and Kinross and supports our vision to be the provider of choice for everyone to live an active lifestyle. I am delighted that we continue to adapt to changes in trends and the growing needs of everyone in our community.
“We are really excited to welcome everyone this weekend and beyond, to experience what is without a doubt a fantastic new development in Perth city.”
As well as the gym there are three new fitness studios: the Cycle Studio; the Mind and Body Studio overlooking the North Inch, and the Fitness Studio in Bell’s former cafe space also overlooking the North Inch.
The Cycle Studio looks ready for high-octane classes packed with 30 bikes, the instructor’s bike, a large screen and its energising colourful lighting.
The finishing touches were just being made to the Fitness Studio during our tour but the timetable on display was packed with activities from Circuits to Zumba to Bodypump.
And in the main sports arena, the floor was being sealed.
Visitors are invited along this weekend to take a tour with Live Active’s Fitness Team, try out the equipment and take part in a taster fitness class.
There will also be a chance to win a fitness membership for a year.
