Elected members and officers from Perth & Kinross Council met with representatives from partners hub East Central Scotland on-site to highlight the latest progress with the project, which now has an approved budget of £15.1 million.

The new centre will comprise a large sports hall and a smaller hall/gymnasium, a six-lane swimming pool, fitness room, dance studio and changing facilities, as well as other ancillary spaces and an external all-weather pitch.

With the main contractors, architects and engineering consultants all appointed, work on the programme for the design and build of the new centre and demolition of the existing facility is underway.

It is anticipated currently that the project will take around four years to complete, subject to the full programme being developed and background works conducted including site investigations and surveys.

Construction work is currently scheduled to take place between 2021 and 2023. 

Lifelong learning convener, Councillor Caroline Shiers, said: “This is a very significant project for the Blairgowrie area, which will transform sport and leisure opportunities for the local community and put in place a high-quality facility for the future.

“We are all keen to see this project move forward and further details will be shared with residents as soon as is practicably possible.”

Gary Bushnell, chief executive, hub East Central Scotland, said: “We have worked closely with Perth & Kinross Council to develop the plans for the new recreation centre and look forward to delivering a first-class facility that will meet the needs of the local community.”