Long-awaited plans have been lodged to transform a landmark Perth city centre church into a major arts venue.
After a wait of nearly four decades, council bosses have unveiled detailed designs for derelict St Paul’s Church.
The ambitious £2 million project will see the 210-year-old building made into an open civic space, suitable for markets and performances. The clock tower and spire will be retained.
The project is part of a wider council-led plan to increase cultural offering in the Fair City and bring in thousands more visitors.
The public will now get the chance to have its say on the scheme before a final decision is made on planning consent later this year.
Papers lodged with local authority planners show that there has already been interest from potential operators.
It has also emerged that lighting architectural firm Lite, which was involved in illuminations at Blackpool and Edinburgh Castle, is working on a plan to light-up the building.
Council boss Murray Lyle said: “I think it’s fantastic to see further progress being made on the project to bring this building back into use.
“When we took over ownership of the building in January last year it was with a vision in mind and I am pleased that we are making good progress.”
A spokesman for RDA Architects said the planned courtyard area would offer space for events, while public art and lighting would help “animate” it during the day and evening.
“The proposed design approach would both conserve and protect the main elements of the building and allow for its full re-use at lowest cost and risk,” he said.
The conversion will “help stimulate market interest and improve value”, the firm said.
St Paul’s was built by the city council around 1800 “to provide both additional ecclesiastical accommodation for the expanding burgh and an architectural ornament to encourage further development”.
The building, also once used as a regimental church by The Black Watch, has stood empty since 1988.
Various attempts to re-use the site, including ambitious plans for an Indian restaurant and interest from pub giant JD Wetherspoon, failed to get off the ground.
The local authority bought the building in February, last year. An offer – understood to be less than £50,000 – was accepted by the previous owner.
Contractors were drafted in to clear out the property, removing nearly 50 tonnes of pigeon mess as well as carrying out a cull of nesting birds.
The refurbishment also involved removing asbestos, stripping lagging from heating pipes, and taking away loose slates, masonry and other debris. Workers have also removed timber pews from inside the church.
St Paul’s timeline
St Paul’s Church – a timeline of demise and decay
1807 – St Paul’s Church built to a design by architect John Paterson.
Jan 1973 – Church roof required replacing.
Feb 1974 – Church threatened with closure.
1986 – Church closes.
October 1988 – Masonry falls from building.
October 1989 – Church bought by Cleddon Estates Investments Ltd.
July 1991 – Cleddon plan to turn church into a universarium and science centre but never materialises.
November 1994 – Church for sale.
June 1995 – Scottish Urban Archaeological Trust propose to use church for Perth Octagon Heritage Centre.
July 1997 – Heritage centre plan abandoned.
May 2003 – St Paul’s Church Preservation Society float suggestion of turning the building into community halls.
Dec 2003 – St Paul’s Church Preservation Society wound up.
February 2008 – JD Wetherspoon submit plan to convert church into licensed premises but proposal falls by the wayside.
March 2009 – Edinburgh-based curry chain Khushi’s state interest.
January 2012 – Planning consent granted to Khushi’s for change of use from church to restaurant.
November 2013 – Listed-building consent granted to Khushi’s.
April 2015 – Sale of St Paul’s Church to James Boyd, of Simple Marketing Global.
April 2016 – Urgent repairs notice served on owners.
Aug 2016 – Council makes building safe and don’t rule out compulsory purchase.
