Update | Bell’s Sports Centre

28 November 2023

Scottish National Artistic Gymnastics Championships

Further to our announcement about events affected by flooding at Bell’s Sports Centre in Perth and the email sent by our events team.

We worked with our partners to identify an alternative venue and date for the Scottish National Artistic Gymnastics Championships. We were confident arrangements were in place for 2 & 3 March at Ravenscraig which meant we opened competition entries on 17 November.

However, we have since found out that one of our partners essential in running the event may not be able to send a representative. We are in discussions internally and with our partners about whether the event will go ahead that weekend as planned, or if we need to move it to another date.

We have therefore no option but to temporarily close entries to the artistic championships. We will let you know as soon as we can confirm the dates for the championships and re-open entries.

We are sorry that this will cause gymnasts, families, coaches and volunteers further upheaval. We appreciate that many competitors live a distance away and need to book accommodation and/or travel. And, that gymnasts are working to specific training plans. We aim to resolve this situation as soon as possible.

24 November 2023 

Bell’s Sports Centre was significantly affected by the flood waters in Perth on 7 and 8 October. The ground floor was impacted, including the main arena where we hold events. Our equipment was also affected.  

Our priority has been trying to reschedule the four events due to be held there before the end of the year. This has not been straightforward as we work to find available venues and alternative equipment and apparatus which then needs to be transported. This has resulted in some short notice changes however we hope that the community understands the challenges this situation has caused. All while continuing with the wider events and competitions programme.  

We have been able to reorganise four events and are grateful to Dynamic, Meadowbank and City of Glasgow gymnastics clubs for their support. Edinburgh Leisure has been able to accommodate us for this Sunday’s record-entry floor and vault. Unfortunately, we had to reduce the number of competitors in one event and have been unable to accommodate the Gordon Forster Team Challenge. We hope you understand we have done all we could to find an alternative venue. 

The calendar will continue to be affected in 2024 as it is likely the main arena and surrounding areas within Bell’s will remain closed for some time. We appreciate that this causes upheaval for gymnasts, families and clubs, as you may have booked accommodation or travel ahead of competitions. We will continue to re-arrange events and let you know about changes as soon as possible. Many have already been updated on our website and we are working to finalise others as soon as possible.  

We ask for your patience as the team works hard to reschedule competitions, this may result in some changes such as restricted ticket sales. This is because there may not be the same capacity or seating if events are hosted in clubs or smaller facilities. Full information will be provided on the events calendar and the shop. 

Our thanks go to the technical committees, judges, clubs, coaches, volunteers and gymnasts who have assisted with and supported these short notice changes.  

Equipment 

We have been assessing the damage with our equipment partners and suppliers. This is ongoing to confirm what items can be cleaned safely and saved, however it is clear there has been significant loss. 

Whilst we have comprehensive insurance for all our equipment and activities, there is a specific exclusion for flooding at Bell’s Sports Centre as insurance companies deem it high risk. The sports centre itself is in a similar position, with typical insurance arrangements for flooding not being available to the Operator since a previous flood event in 2020.  This is mitigated by the Perth Flood Defence Scheme however several flood gates on the North Inch remained open during the flooding period

Perth and Kinross Council has published a review of extreme weather events in the region in October 2023 with a specific focus on the late closure of gates on the North Inch, Perth. The report states that Perth and Kinross Council “acknowledges that the delayed closure of these may have contributed to the flooding of some properties”.  

Next steps 

We are working to identify how we can clean or replace equipment as soon as we can however there is a significant financial impact. There are also additional costs being incurred with relocating the events programme to new venues as well as sourcing and transporting equipment. We are therefore looking at all options available to us and are of course liaising with Perth and Kinross Council as well as sportscotland.  

We are continuing to work for our members and in their best interests to deliver our programme of events to the best of our ability with the challenges we face. This is an incredibly difficult time for us all and we ask you to bear this in mind when speaking to staff and volunteers. We will remain transparent throughout and continue to update you when we can. Thank you for your patience and understanding.

Doc McKelvey 

Chief Executive 

17 October 2023 

Due to severe weather earlier this month, Bell’s Sports Centre experienced significant flooding and is closed. Live Active Leisure is in the process of assessing the impact of the flooding.

The floodwater also had an impact on our equipment, and we are working with partners to assess the full extent of the damage.

This affects the women’s artistic Tin, Bronze, Silver & Gold Classic Challenge on 28 and 29 October. We are trying to find an alternative venue to allow this to take place elsewhere. Our events team will contact the clubs affected directly.

We are also working on contingency plans for other upcoming events due to be held in Perth should Bell’s remain closed. We will update you when we can. Thank you for your patience.