A major construction operation is under way to rescue the domed roof at Bell’s Sports Centre.
The landmark building at Perth’s North Inch is being recovered as part of an ambitious £750,000 project.
Construction crews have arrived on site and have installed safety barriers around the ageing rotunda.
The dome’s membrane structure is starting to split and leisure bosses feel it has passed its useful life.
The work, which is expected to last for several months, has been planned by the council’s arms-length body, Live Active Leisure.
The new cover will provide improved insulation and ventilation which aims to enhance the venue’s performance and efficiency.
Initially, it was thought the dome would have to be removed and replaced, but LAL has confirmed that the existing canvas will be left in place and covered with a new one.
Out-going chief executive Jim Moyes recently told councillors: “Because of the very nature and shape of the dome, this was always going to be a challenge.
“Thankfully, we do not have to strip the existing roof off, which makes things a lot more straightforward.”
Mr Moyes said: “The new cover will be laid on top. The work will run over the course of about four or five months.
“Live Active Leisure knew that this was coming. The cover that is on there just now is over 30 years old and the board very wisely and responsibly started making provisions for this some years ago.
“All the costs will be met through LAL reserves.”
The work is being carried out by North Muirton-based roofing specialists AIM Developments.
Director Chic Scrimgeour said: “This is an exciting project for us to be working on due to the complex shape of the roof. We’ve done quite a few awkward shaped buildings and a few domes in our time and, for us, it’s a case of the more challenging, the better.”
He said that the new Sarnafil covering will last for about 40 years.
“It must be one of the biggest domes in Scotland,” he said. “It’s a big contract and it’s great for a Perth firm to be working on such an iconic Perth building.”
