Perth shoppers have their say on city centre woes

Following a spate of business closures and in the midst of building work on Perth City Hall, shoppers have shared their views on the city centre.

After cafes Mhor Coffee House and 269 Vegan, restaurant Bistua and vintage shop Underneath the Arches all disappeared in one weekend, the city centre has even more empty units.

Many shoppers are disappointed in what the city has to offer.

“It’s shocking. Everything in it is gone,” says Doreen Brown.

“There’s just coffee shops and hairdressers left now, there’s nowhere to get good clothes.”

The 85-year-old has just returned from America where she said the malls were full of good shops, even if a few units were empty.

“I just want something different here.

“Just look over to St Andrews, its got loads of shops. It’s much smaller, but still better.”

More pop-ups would help

Also struggling to find clothes is Graeme Cart from Newburgh.

“The city centre is on a downwards spiral. I’ve noticed a difference over the past two or three months,” says the 76-year-old.

“I would like to see some big shops open, because there’s nowhere to buy men’s clothes anymore.

“There are a lot of shops closing and too many buskers and beggars.

“I wouldn’t be surprised if charity shops pop up in the empty units.”

Another shopper would like to see pop-up shops to showcase local talent in the city’s empty units.

Liz McIntosh says more should be done to promote the city and support local artists.

“Perth used to be a great place, people must be disappointed,” she says.

“We have fantastic views, but the centre is lacking.

“We need to regenerate the city centre. I like the statue trail promoting Perth women, we should be doing more of that.”

Perth shoppers – city needs ‘a good clean’

With the ongoing works outside Perth City Hall, one shopper finds it difficult to get around.

“It’s awful at the moment, everything is closed off,” says Jillian Milne.

“Loads of shops are closed too and the work is not helping with that.

“I’m sure it will look good when it’s finished but that doesn’t help now.”

Visiting from Coupar Angus, Kay Goody doesn’t mind the roadwork but thinks the city needs a good clean.

She says: “I wish they would tidy up more and I would like the council offices to open again.

“But other than that I think the city centre is alright. I can get most things when I come into town.”

Mrs Milne however thinks Perth has gone downhill in the last 18 months.

“It’s all coffee shops now. There are also lots of shops with expensive stuff, but you don’t always want to spend a lot when you’re out,” says the 63-year-old.

“I want some decent clothes that suit me. There are no good places to get women’s or men’s clothes.”

‘Make City Hall a plaza’

Out shopping with his daughter, Gordon Cluckie wants to see a wider range of shops in Perth.

“The city centre has too many to let and for sale signs up,” says the 76-year-old.

“There’s no variety. It’s all nail bars, cafes and charity shops.

“Over the past 10 years the city centre has been a steady decline.”

Caroline says: “I think it’s down to the rise of online shopping. No one needs to go out anymore.

“But the restaurants in Perth are very good.”

Instead of making a new museum, the duo would like to see the City Hall made into a plaza for hosting pop-up shops and markets.

“The city centre needs more activities and some amusement,” says Caroline.

“It would be great to see a bowling alley or a cinema.”