By Paul Reoch

PERTH AND Kinross Council have defended their stance on the proposed redevelopment of City Hall despite admitting that they have no alternative plan should the suggested route fail.

The Courier listed a series of questions to the local authority under the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act and established that they have, in fact, signed an agreement with Wharfside Regeneration, but have not sought or been given any planned financial figure for pulling down the building—a move suggested by an eminent Perth businessman.

The contract to transform the Edwardian listed building into a multi-million pound shopping centre was awarded to Wharfside Regeneration three years ago.

Work was scheduled to start last Christmas, but Perth and Kinross Council have refused to clarify when this will take place.

The controversial issue has led to severe criticism from a host of quarters, with former Perth Provost Alex Murray labelling the council “Perth in Chaos” over their handling of the matter.

The uncertain situation has led to Conservative councillors saying the City Hall is decaying. And John Bullough, chairman and managing director of McEwens of Perth, has added to the criticism, stating that he feels the City Hall should be ripped down to make way for alternative uses, including an underground car park.

And another prominent businessman, who runs a restaurant beside the building, said the uncertainty is not helping to resolve the current impasse.

The man, who wished to remain anonymous, yesterday said, “I have heard that Wharfside paid £1 million on a ground survey and architect’s fees as part of their plans for Perth City Hall. The current situation does not help anyone—we need to know what is going to happen.

“We also need to know if the council have any alternative plans should the Wharfside plan fall by the wayside.”

Under the FOI Act, Perth and Kinross Council said that Wharfside have invested “substantially” in “furtherance” of the project.

A council spokesman said, “It would not be appropriate to comment on any amount in the interests of commercial confidentially.”

When asked if the council have an alternative plan for Perth City Hall if the Wharfside plan falls by the wayside, the spokesman commented, “I am advised that Perth and Kinross Council did consider options at an early stage and this went out to public consultation. The council has not considered alternatives since the decision to accept the proposals made by Wharfside and is committed to working with Wharfside in the delivery of their scheme.”

The Courier also asked if Perth and Kinross Council has been given an estimated cost of pulling down Perth City Hall altogether and if the pair had actually signed an agreement.

The council spokesman said, “I am advised that the council has not sought or been given estimates for demolishing the building. I am also advised that the council and Wharfside have signed an actual document.”