The derelict Perth church at the centre of ambitious council plans to convert it into a public performance space is commercially worthless, it has emerged.
Details of the proposal which will be put to councillors reveal that due to the extent of the work required on St Paul’s Church, unless the council step in it is likely to remain vacant.
In papers to go to the full council on Wednesday it is estimated that a full restoration of the 200-year-old octagonal church at the top of the High Street would cost £5 million.
The preferred option of council officers — retaining the shell and spire but removing the roof — would cost a more modest £1.5m to £2m and funding is already in hand.
If councillors back this proposal, which seems likely, it will bring to an end a long-running saga stretching back three decades since the church closed its doors.
A search for a viable use has defeated various owners and the building is now in need of urgent work to make it safe.
“The district valuer has put a market value of zero on the building due to the extent of repairs required but has also advised that it may be appropriate for the council to consider an offer to purchase, making it clear that this is not the council’s opinion of market value but it is considered to be best value to the council,” says the council’s vacant property development officer Isobel Butt in her report.
“A figure has been suggested by the district valuer, which represents best value based on the costs of avoiding entering a protracted costly compulsory purchase order process. Negotiations have been undertaken with the owners and they have indicated that they would be prepared to sell the building for a figure below this value.
“The cost to the council would equate to the acquisition and associated legal costs and marketing which would be £50,000 in total.
“Given the long history surrounding the site and the current state of the market, it is considered unlikely that anyone would be prepared to purchase and redevelop the building in its current condition as it is not economically viable for a commercial owner.”
In her report Ms Butt recommends that the councillors approve the public performance use as the best way forward.
“This will result in the retention of a listed building in a form believed to be acceptable to Historic Environment Scotland,” she said.
“It also provides a sustainable future use for the building, the removal of blight from the city centre and minimal ongoing cost for management and maintenance.
“It will also provide an additional outdoor venue for arts, cultural and performance events supporting the Perth 2021 City of Culture bid as well as, providing an attractive and interesting place of relaxation in the city centre.”
