Perth traders are being urged to join a new group looking to breathe new life into the city centre.
The City Centre Action Group will hold its first meeting on Thursday.
It’s backed by Perth and Kinross Council but it will be steered by city centre businesses themselves.
Leaders say they want to create a place where shops, bars, restaurants and accommodation providers can work together, share ideas and build a stronger, more vibrant city centre.
Businesses will be invited to help draw up an action plan.
The aim is to boost trading conditions, promote events, enhance the city centre experience, and better coordinate activities and marketing.
Action group aims to harness community spirit which shone after Perth tragedy
The City Centre Action Group is being launched in the wake of the fatal fire in Scott Street, Perth on June 14.
The continuing disruption has heaped pressures on businesses across the city centre.
Many were already struggling against factors such as online shopping, parking charges and falling footfall.
But traders say Perth still has plenty going for it in its mix of independent businesses.
And organisers hope the community spirit which has come to the fore following the tragedy might also prove to be Perth’s secret weapon.
Perth and Kinross Business Partnership is behind the new move.
Its co-chairman Steven Stewart said: “Over the past two weeks in the aftermath of the devastating fire in Perth city centre, we’ve seen the benefits of everyone pulling together to help residents and business.
“We want the new forum to build on that community spirit.
“It will give local businesses a stronger voice and an opportunity to influence decisions and policies that impact them and the city centre.”
Fire taking toll on businesses
Perth firms have told The Courier they face months of uncertainty after the fire.
Those around Scott Street and South Street are particularly affected.
The council announced a £250,000 emergency fund for businesses and residents last week.
Perth and Kinross Council’s deputy leader Eric Drysdale is a councillor for the city centre ward, and convener of the economy and infrastructure committee.
“The Scott Street fire was a tragedy that has deeply affected our community,” he said.
“We know the safety cordons have impacted footfall in the surrounding streets, and we’re grateful to local businesses for their patience and resilience.”
Businesses can sign up for the launch event here.
Conversation