The search for suitable firms to promote the site of a dilapidated Perth church will begin when it is completely refurbished.
Perth and Kinross Council has progressed to the next stage of its £2 million plan to create an outdoor space at St Paul’s Church.
Contractors employed by the council began a massive clear-out of the building in March last year. This included removing nearly 50 tonnes of pigeon mess as well as carrying out a cull of nesting birds at the building, which closed its doors in 1986.
The refurbishment work also involved workmen removing asbestos, stripping lagging material from heating pipes, removing loose slates, masonry and other debris. Contractors also removed timber pews from inside the church.
The council’s plan to create an outdoor hub will see the church spire being retained along with the shell of the building. Council chiefs have stressed it is too early to decide who will operate the open space when it is completed.
The bottom part of the Old High Street was closed off in March to allow work to take place at St Paul’s Church – a decision which infuriated some local shop owners.
However, with a firm of architects appointed to undertake design work for the outdoor hub scheme, the council has now revealed it is also looking to employ suitable firms to promote the venue, once it is completely refurbished.
A council spokesperson said: “At this stage of the redevelopment of St Paul’s Church it is too early for the council to consider any proposals for future use of the building as we are still in the process of finalising the plan for the site.
“We will, however, be seeking to promote it for other markets and events as well as part of a broader use of space within Perth city centre once the redevelopment works are complete.”
