The cost of transforming a dilapidated Perth school into a much heralded arts hub has soared by more than £1 million.
Perth and Kinross Council is poised to begin work on the boarded-up St John’s Primary building on Stormont Street.
The plan is to turn the old school into a “creative exchange”, aimed at nurturing up-and-coming talent and new businesses.
Planning consent has already been secured to convert classrooms into 26 artist studios. There will also be 13 offices for fledgling businesses, a workshop area, cafe and “innovation lab” in the former gym hall.
But a new heating and electricity system has caused the price of the project to jump from around £3 millon to £4.4 million.
A report to councillors states that thefts and vandalism at the vacant building has also led to increased costs.
The extra £1 million needed is expected to come from Tay Cities Deal funding, which is due to be announced later this summer.
In the meantime, the shortfall will be met with money from the council’s capital budget.
Next week, members of the strategic policy and resources committee will be asked to offer the long-term lease of the building to WASPS (Workshop and Artists’ Studio Provision Scotland), the group that will manage the hub.
Part of the building will become the Famous Grouse Ideas Centre, as part of a £500,000 deal with whisky giant Edrington.
Project officer Finlay Kerr said: “The project will regenerate a building that has been unused for over seven years.
“The building has started to attract anti social behaviour and has also been the victim of theft. Local residents will see an improvement in their social, as well as physical environment when work begins.”
He said: “There are numerous examples of the economic and social benefits occupation of buildings for creative use has on surrounding areas.
“Creative people spend money locally, encourage audiences at exhibition and workshops, attract clients and visitors, animate redundant buildings and make areas feel safer with more regular footfall, not just during normal office hours.”
The creative hub was a key part of the council’s ultimately unsuccessful bid for the 2021 City of Culture title.
