Built for Perth and Kinross Council, it replaces a 41-year-old facility that could no longer meet local residents' expectations or Blairgowrie High School's needs.
Today, its successor sets a national precedent as a modern, light-filled, fully accessible Passivhaus leisure centre designed for the next generation. At the heart of this pioneering development is the six-lane, 25-metre lap pool, which was design and built using advanced Myrtha’s stainless-steel modular technology. Installed in collaboration with Barr + Wray, Myrtha’s local dealer for the project, the pool is engineered for precision and longevity, providing an elite-standard swimming environment while supporting the centre’s stringent carbon footprint and energy performance goals.
Strategically positioned on the southeast elevation, the pool captures passive solar gain through expansive east- and south-facing glazing, enhancing natural illumination and reducing reliance on artificial lighting and mechanical heating. Water clarity is improved thanks to the Myrtha White technology, and the swimming pool can be configured in different ways due to the flip-up bulkhead and movable floor. These features enable the pool to be used for learn-to-swim courses, aquagym and aquabike classes, thus avoiding the need for a second pool.
City
Technology
Surface
25 x 13 m
Depth
1 - 2,4 m
Location
Accessories
Designed by Holmes Miller Architect to achieve full Passivhaus certification the building, that includes a two-court gymnasium, a dedicated fitness suite, a dance studio, provides exceptional thermal comfort and operational efficiency. Underfloor heating, natural ventilation strategies and night purging in the sports halls maintain optimal conditions throughout the year, while the highly insulated envelope minimises energy consumption.
The facility adheres to the inclusivity guidelines of Sport England, Sport Scotland and Accessible Sports Facilities. It offers fully wheelchair-accessible routes, adapted changing rooms and a platform for accessing the pool. These features ensure that every visitor, regardless of age or ability, can participate in sports activities safely and with dignity.
For Myrtha Pools, the Blairgowrie project is more than just a job: it exemplifies how precision engineering and sustainable architecture can come together to enhance public leisure facilities. The result is a warm and welcoming aquatic centre that serves its community today while setting a visionary standard for tomorrow's energy-efficient leisure facilities across the UK and Europe.
Photo credits: Holmes Miller - Chris Humphreys
