Residents in Perth will have the chance to view £2 million plans designed to transform a dilapidated former church into an open civic space which will “enliven” the city centre.
Perth and Kinross Council will hold an exhibition in the Mercure Hotel in West Mill Street, Perth, on Monday to show the proposed designs for St Paul’s Church.
The local authority bought the building in February last year after it had been allowed to fall into a state of neglect by its previous owners. Workers have since cleared debris, including 50 tonnes of pigeon guano, in addition to carrying out a cull of the birds who had made the ageing building their home.
The official plan, which was recently lodged by the council, provides details of how council chiefs looked at four options to transform the church, which closed its doors in 1986. A planning statement reveals the council’s preferred option is to create an open civic space for public use and “enjoyment,” which would also be used occasionally by community markets.
The document states the former church’s historic spire and clock tower will both be retained and state-of-the-art lighting installed at places on the corner of the Old High Street and South Methven Street.
Architects RDA state: “This option reflects the buildings’ history as a public asset responding to its 30-year vacancy and lack of access by making a bold statement to the public allowing them to regain ownership in efforts to enliven this part of the city.
“The proposal would allow for full or part restoration in future should market conditions allow.
“The proposed design would enable free and open access into an open external courtyard animated with art and lighting. The space would also be occupied by outdoor markets and events with an obligation on operators to provide equipment and shelter and manage the space according to operational licensing requirements.”
A spokesperson for Perth and Kinross Council said the public exhibition will allow residents to view designs for the next stage of the project to “transform” St Paul’s Church in Perth city centre into a public arts and events space.
She said: “Members of the project team are keen to discuss the proposals and works programme with local businesses and interested residents, and additionally to gather public views on the design of the building, the use of the space and future management arrangements.
“This is in part intended to ensure that business needs are met and the impact on local residents during construction and subsequent operation of the space is minimised as far as possible.”
The exhibition will run from noon until 6pm on Monday at the Mercure Hotel.
