Gymnasts’ frustration as electrical fault closed Dundee’s Dick McTaggart Centre

Dundee gymnasts were left in the lurch following the sudden closure of the Dick McTaggart Centre due to an electrical fault.

The gymnastic training centre on Old Glamis Road closed suddenly on Friday February 17 due to the fault.

Dundee Gymnastics Club 2K (DGC2k) uses the centre 30 hours a week, alongside other clubs, was forced to significantly scale back training during the closure.

Gymnasts were training at another centre with limited facilities as a result.

Operator Leisure & Culture Dundee apologised before confirming the centre reopened on Thursday evening.

Clare Huxley, chairwoman of DGC2K said the impact of the closure had been “frustrating”.

She said: “The communication around the initial closure on Friday could have been dealt with a little bit better from Leisure and Culture.

“That being said, there was an improving picture as the days went on with regular correspondence.

“There was some guidance it could possibly reopen on Thursday earlier this week.

“It’s frustrating that gymnasts haven’t been able to take part in their proper training programmes.”

Gymnasts may have to move premises

If the matter wasn’t resolved DGC2K were looking to seek alternative facilities.

Claire added: “Leisure and Culture, to their credit, tried to offer us premises at the Menzieshill Community Centre.

“Unfortunately this was only one two-hour slot.

“The equipment at Menzieshill wouldn’t have been suitable in comparison to the Dick McTaggart either.”

It has not all been bad news for the club as some of the gymnasts won medals at the Gymnastics Scottish Championships at Bell’s Sports Centre in Perth at the weekend.

Claire said: “There was some good news for the athletes and our club despite the setbacks with the centre.

“If the closure does extend for a greater period of time we may need to seek alternative premises to sustain the level of training.”

A spokesman for Leisure and Culture Dundee confirmed the centre reopened to the public on Thursday.

He said: “We are pleased to update that the electrical issue at McTaggart Gymnastics Centre has now been resolved.

“We thank everyone for their patience while this fault was dealt with.”