Five bold designs to breathe new life into Perth City Hall were unveiled to the public yesterday.
Some of Europe’s leading architects are among those to put forward their visions for the future of the building, which has lain empty for years.
An exhibition of the plans is taking place at Perth and Kinross Council’s High Street headquarters. However, feed back can also be given here.
Almost 900 people have so far taken part in an online Courier poll, which asked readers which of the concepts was their favourite.
Here is a list of the ones that went down best in order of popularity:
Richard Murphy Architects
These designs are for “radical surgery” to the building, creating a museum and gallery complete with a cafe and shop.
33.49% of Courier readers have so far voted for this design in our poll – a total of 284 people.
Mecanoo
The Netherlands-based firm’s plans have also been a hit with their plans to create a “new gateway to Perth, to its history and its pride”. The designs shows a large exhibition space in the main hall, and modern cafe and bar area.
A total of 29.25% of readers – 248 voters – thought this was the best design.
Austin-Smith:Lord + MVRDV
The firm behind the People’s History Museum in Manchester said they want the building to be “Perth’s living room”, with plans for a flexible exhibition space called the Art Mixer.
In our poll, so far 22.29% of people – or 189 voters – think this is the best option for the future of the hall.
Hoskins Architects
This team want to create a “world-class cultural attraction” with a central atrium and prominent staircase leading up to the main gallery on the first floor. the firm also proposes moving the New Market Cross memorial to open up an approach from St John’s Shopping Centre and King Edward Street.
So far 8.61% of people – 73 people – have backed this design in our poll.
LDN Architects
This design promises a building that will “attract visitors, improve the quality of community life and deliver economic regeneration and growth”.
LDN has proposed a series of exhibition plinths outside the southern end of the hall. Inside, new galleries will feature a range of spaces varying in size, form and flexibility to suit the wide range of objects within the permanent and temporary collections.
A total of 6.36% of voters – 54 people – in the Courier’s poll backed this vision for the hall.
Feedback from members of the public will be used by Perth and Kinross Council chiefs when they make a final decision on the project later this year.
