A history of Rodney
Rodney Fitness Centre, one of Perth’s best-known landmarks, is set to reopen in 2026, by Perth-based fitness entrepreneur, Kevin Cuthbert.
Having celebrated 25 years in the business of fitness in 2019, the Rodney closed in August 2022, ending its operation as a Live Active Leisure venue. In April 2024, Kevin was announced as the preferred bidder in the Council’s sale of the building, and after an extensive £1million refurbishment, the centre reopened to the public.
Find out more about Kevin Cuthbert and his original fitness brand, KCPT.
1800 to 1936
The Origins of Rodney Lodge and Pavillion
The first Rodney Lodge was originally known as Marshall Cottage and was an impressive building constructed in 1800 by Provost Thomas Hay Marshall. In 1866, it transferred into the ownership of John Rollo, who renamed the property after Admiral George Rodney. All was well until the route of the Victoria Bridge was approved (replaced by the Queen’s Bridge in 1960) which ran directly through the middle of Rodney Lodge.
The current Rodney Lodge, or Rodney Pavilion as it became known, was built in 1932. Miss Rollo, sister of the late Mr John Rollo sold the Pavillion to General Accident as a recreation space for the enjoyment of their employees. Tennis courts and a bowling green were added in 1936 making it the earliest recorded leisure centre in Perth city.
The Rodney building and associated grounds were acquired by the District Council in 1985 for use as a community centre when the General Accident Fire and Life Assurance Corporation plc, provided new sports facilities at their head office site at Pitheavlis, Perth.
1987 to 2022
The Live Active Leisure Years
Calling upon Live Active Leisure (at the time working under the PKRF brand) in June 1987, the Council invited them to maintain and manage Rodney Pavilion as a sports hall, community centre and restaurant for a period of three years. The Company became responsible for operating the venue in October 1987 and this new opportunity allowed them to provide a programme of activities such as fitness classes and gym provision, some of which hadn’t been possible in Bell’s Sports Centre at the time. It was opened to the public on 5 October 1987 and became an immediate success.
Following a three year trial, it was agreed that Rodney Pavilion should become a permanent PKRF Company facility and the Council and Company entered into a 30 year lease. Following further changes, it reopened as Rodney Fitness Centre on 5 May 1994 and quickly established itself as the leading venue for health and fitness in area.
Following flood damage at the start of 1996, an 18 week closure for major refurbishment was required and this provided the opportunity to further develop and upgrade the facilities and equipment on offer. The Company continued its commitment over the years, and in 2014 carried out a £250,000 gym upgrade.
Like all fitness facilities, the 2020 lockdown proved difficult to manage, and the centre never fully recovered. Subsequently, senior management at Live Active Leisure made a request to PKC to withdraw gym and fitness services from the venue.
August 2022
Live Active Leisure closed Rodney Fitness Centre’s gym and fitness services
Perth and Kinross Council formally approved Live Active Leisure’s withdrawal of gym and fitness services from the Rodney Centre building from 31 August 2022, ending its operation as a Live Active fitness venue.
After the closure of fitness operations in 2022, the building was put up for sale. Due to the origins of the building, PKC followed an open and transparent process, first exploring community ownership through the statutory Community Asset Transfer route before declaring the building surplus and placing it on the open market.
April 2024
Preferred Bidder Appointed
Competitive bids were assessed on viability, investment and future use, leading to the appointment of preferred bidder, local fitness entrepreneur, Kevin Cuthbert.
Announcing his plans, Kevin said, “As a business, we recognise the importance to the community of keeping Rodney as a gym facility and we will absolutely make sure that continues.”
Welcoming the decision, a PKC spokesperson commented, “Rodney enjoys a fantastic city centre location and we are pleased it will continue to support the health and wellbeing of our residents.”
March 2026
Centre Reopens
Following an 18 month refurbishment programme in which a new roof, mezzanine level and complete strip out was completed, Rodney Fitness Centre reopened to the public.
Owned and managed by Kevin Cuthbert, a Scottish fitness entrepreneur, the centre offers gym, fitness classes, yoga, pilates, and group training sessions. It also hosts a community café, and partners with physiotherapists and other professionals to deliver a full service, holistic approach to health and wellbeing.