Elected Member Briefing Note 2026, No. 40
About this Briefing Note
Report by: Robert Meiklejohn, Project Manager, Property Services
Date: 23 March 2026
Subject: Bell's Sport Centre update March 2026
Details
Purpose
This Briefing Note provides a further update on the removal of Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) and the programme of intrusive surveys at Bells Sports Centre.
Briefing Information
In June 2025, the Council approved a project to remove Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) from Bell's Sports Centre and undertake associated condition surveys. The surveys will confirm the building's condition and the localised detailing of RAAC and asbestos, informing the best method for removal. The surveys will also confirm the building's condition and inform plans for future refurbishment as an unheated, covered sports pitch/events space.
Phase 1 enablement works will be carried out by Robertson Construction, Tayside. This will include installing fencing and hoarding to create a secure construction site, with clear signage to maintain public access routes.
A total of 41 parking bays will be suspended from 20 March 2026 to allow works to progress. The site plan shows the red line boundary. This is the fence Robertson Construction will erect to ensure the site is safe. All bays within the red line have been suspended. The pedestrian path into the centre to access the toilets and rugby club will remain open. Some parking bays will remain available at Bells and the Council car park next to the Black Watch Museum will operate as normal. Clubs and organisations regularly using the North Inch are being advised of the partial suspension of parking bays.
Phase 1 is expected to take approximately 27 weeks and includes the listed building application process. During Phase 1, water-damaged non-structural materials will be removed from the building, together with other works to assist with the building surveys and inform planning for the removal of RAAC. As Bells Sports Centre is Category B Listed, an archaeological standing building survey must be carried out before work begins to remove the water-damaged non-structural materials.
Phase 1 enablement works are imperative to inform future feasibility study and development of future design brief to be brought back to Council for approval.
Within this 27-week period, negotiations remain ongoing with interested parties as per instruction from Council for Officers to engage with communities and partners to explore options as regards to the future operating model for the new Bell's facility.
To continue to support visitors to the North Inch and surrounding areas, the current male, female and accessible toilets in Bell's Sports Centre will remain available during Phase 1.
