By Dave Lord

IT MAY have cost £19.5 million to build but Perth Concert Hall will be worth every penny, it was claimed yesterday.

Earlier this week it was revealed that construction of the flagship development had been completed on time and on budget.

Opinion has been split over the costly project, with some locals still insisting Perth City Hall already provides adequate facilities to match those set to be provided by the new building.

However, as internal works get under way to add the finishing touches to the dazzling, glass-fronted Horsecross concert hall, one Perth business man who contacted The Courier has expressed great optimism.

He believes the money spent on the project will prove to be an extremely worthwhile long-term investment.

“I for one am really quite excited about the new concert hall and hope it will be a massive success,” the business man said.

“At first I was sceptical about the project but must confess it looks pretty impressive now construction has actually been completed.

“I know there is a big debate about whether the concert hall was really required but I think it adds a lot to Perth,” he continued.

“Councillors are always going on about how Perth needs to be a major player in Europe and this will do our profile no harm at all.”

The business man, who works in the drinks industry, is looking forward to upturned profits as a result of the concert hall’s opening.

“There is no doubt the concert hall will attract big events to Perth,” he said.

“Big events mean lots of people and I don’t think many local businesses will complain about that.

“This is an exciting time for Perth and I look forward to visiting the concert hall myself.”

The countdown to September’s official launch party for the new facility is now on, with a range of “dummy” events set to be staged.

Details of a launch festival are still under wraps but it is expected to be a suitably showcase event, featuring music, drama and other performances.