Perth construction specialists Kilmac will play a key role in re-shaping the heart of the Fair City.
The business has secured a £1.5 million, 28-week contract to roll out Perth and Kinross Council’s vision for a “Cultural Quarter” in Mill Street.
Work begins on July 25, initially focusing on the area around Perth Concert Hall, followed in the autumn by phase two between Cafe Kisa and the £16.6 million Perth Theatre project.
Last night, representatives from the company were on hand to provide feedback at the initial business liaison meeting held at the Royal George Hotel.
Regular updates are planned by Perth and Kinross Council and Kilmac to keep businesses in the picture.
Initial consultations had already taken place with nearly 20 Mill Street businesses in a bid to mitigate the impact of a major development, which represents the biggest ever contract secured by Kilmac from the local authority.
Kilmac director and co-founder Athole McDonald said: “We are delighted to have won this contract from Perth and Kinross Council, which will secure local jobs among our 100-strong Tayside workforce.
“We have a solid track record in hard landscaping, including a £2 million contract which saw major changes to the historic city square in front of Dundee’s Caird Hall. There are clear parallels and our experience there will be brought to bear in the Mill Street project.
“This development will transform the area and we are determined to work in tandem with affected businesses and ensure lines of communication are open throughout the duration of the contract.”
Mr McDonald also revealed Kilmac are teaming-up with Perth and Kinross Council to train and mentor young offenders and long-term unemployed youngsters, offering work experience which could lead to permanent posts.
“The idea is to give youngsters a foothold on the jobs ladder. This is a labour intensive contract at Mill Street and a previous initiative worked well on the South Inch playpark project, where we took on four apprentices from the six who started out.
“We are a Perth business keen to give something back to the community and we see far too many youngsters slipping through the net after leaving school.
“Woking with the council, we are taking on several youngsters in 10-week blocks, give them initial training and find them jobs within the organisation.”
The Mill Street project will also see two young trainee engineers gaining a foothold on the career ladder.
