A plan to transform a dilapidated former “eyesore” Perth church into a £2 million open civic space has received positive responses from residents, it’s been revealed.
Perth and Kinross Council has confirmed that a public display of design plans which included ‘before and after’ images of St Paul’s Church were met with approval from those who attended the event, held earlier this week at the Mercure Hotel in Perth.
And council chiefs have also confirmed that they intend to host art displays and market stalls at the open civic space, and stress they will continue to operate, promote and manage the site.
Perth and Kinross Council bought the former church in February last year and employed contractors to clear out debris, including a massive 50 tonnes of pigeon mess, in addition to carrying out a cull of the birds at the site.
The open civic space plan will see the historic church spire and clock tower retained and state-of-the-art lighting installed at St Paul’s, which closed its doors in 1986.
Architects RDA, who have submitted the design proposals for the site, have stated the preferred option to transform the building, previously dubbed an “eyesore”, will be achieved by carrying out essential repairs and providing electricity and water and feature lighting.
On Thursday, a council spokeswoman said the transformation project was progressing well and provided details of the public exhibition held at the Perth hotel.
“The event, which showed the design proposals to turn St Paul’s Church into a public arts and events space, received a positive reception from the public who attended it,” she said.
“The council’s project team took the opportunity to discuss the proposals and the works programme with local businesses and residents. The team collated people’s views on the design, the use of the open civic space and future arrangements to ensure that business needs will be met.”
The council spokesperson stressed this will mean that the impact on local residents and businesses is kept to a minimum during the construction and operation of the open civic space.
And she said the local authority plan to “manage, market and promote” the space for a variety of different uses, including art displays and market stalls.
“The council will continue to own, manage and maintain it unless someone makes an offer to bring it back into full use once the current work is completed,” the spokeswoman added.
