Inverness Leisure’s investment needs acknowledged by Highland Council as it works on Indoor Tennis Centre plan
The future of Inverness Leisure’s swimming pool flumes - and other facilities - is set to become clear this week.
Much-needed investment for the popular attraction is included in a report to be discussed by Highland councillors on Thursday.
It also reveals the prospect of an Indoor Tennis Centre - stating talks have started regarding a proposal for the east side of Inverness.
Council officials acknowledge investment in Inverness Leisure is needed to cope with rising demand due to the growing population in the city and wider area.
Last November it emerged Inverness Leisure was set for a major refurbishment amid hopes a programme of work will make it onto Highland Council’s capital plan for the nearly 30-year-old facility - with £100,000 set to be spent relatively soon.
In September, we reported that Inverness Aquadome’s Vortex flume has been closed by Highland Council since August 18, 2023 - almost 600 days ago - and then it emerged that the facility’s thistle-shaped outdoor swimming pool has been out-of-bounds even longer, still with no signs of reopening.
Vortex is among a trio of height-restricted water slides designed to be available to customers, with the Cyclone and Ness Monster still operating. Vortex is for users with inflatable rings and has several decline sections and pools.
Thousands of people use the flumes each year.
The facility is run by High Life Highland (HLH), on behalf of the council.
Local authority officials have mentioned it among its ‘early smaller scale Highland Investment Plan (HIP) possibilities’ outlined to councillors with a recommendation for approval.
“As well as the improvements to provision that will be progressed through the normal capital planning programme, the HIP investment does allow further opportunities for improvement to existing facilities or for new opportunities, particularly where match funding exists, to sustain and expand on participation in all areas,” states the report.
“Through this approach, there will be engagement with partner agencies such as SportScotland to explore and maximise the funding opportunities through the HIP and the mainstream capital programme.
“The community, sports, and leisure facility strategy approved by the education committee in November 2023 highlighted the city of Inverness, in a Highland context, as the most financially viable location for regional facilities.
“In terms of regional facilities, Inverness Leisure Centre is the flagship site in the Highlands for leisure, recreation, health and wellbeing, as well as being a local asset and major visitor attraction. The centre, and the wider offering within the site, provides access to the athletics training and competition-level facilities for all disciplines and it is the regional centre for athletics competitions in the Highlands.
“The site needs substantial capital investment to maintain and expand these facilities to address lifecycle requirements and provide a sustainable facility to cope with the increased demand and capacity issues experienced due to the housing expansion in Inverness and the wider area.
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“The works include but are not limited to, the replacement of the running track and associated athletics facilities maintenance works, appropriately planned replacement of the floating floor, review options for the flumes which are currently out of commission due to end-of-life failures, roof repairs and general building fabric and services works. Moreover, there are energy improvement works to be implemented to ensure that site is contributing to the net zero agenda targets and reducing energy costs.
“Members are also asked to consider the opportunities for new regional facilities that can attract further match funding. These regional facilities are intended to improve access to high-quality facilities for all residents in Highland, rather than focus purely on elite pathways. Of particular note at this current time is the potential for an Indoor Tennis Centre, and discussions have taken place with the governing body on developing a proposal for the east side of Inverness. Subject to further design work, and the business case being finalised, this may present an opportunity that HIP funding could be directed towards in the short term.”
A spokesperson for HLH said: “In relation to the flumes at Inverness Leisure, we await the outcome of a paper that is due to go before the Highland Council on March 27. Should members approve the funding proposals, we will work with the Highland Council to develop a programme of works.
“With regards to the outdoor pool element of Inverness Leisure, this is not operational primarily due to cost efficiencies balanced with wider service delivery throughout the facility.”
