A £700,000 regeneration of Perth’s South Inch could include a new private business venture.
Park owners Perth and Kinross Council have earmarked the boating pond, bowling greens and pitches for development and are keen to attract a private partner to create a new attraction on the increasingly tired play area.
The council has contacted local businesses offering the tract of land between the bowling greens and boating pond occupied by little-used trampolines and crazy golf.
A “soft market testing” consultation document states, “Perth and Kinross Council has had a long-standing aim to regenerate the South Inch to re-establish it as a high-quality destination park for the enjoyment and wellbeing of the people of Perth and visitors alike.
“Subsequently, a masterplan for the park is being developed to guide investment of £700,000 public funds over the coming year on such areas as the creation of a premier play area for children and youths; major improvement to the pond to create a more naturalist water feature with timber walkways and viewing decks; the improvement of entrances and creation of key new paths; improved bowling greens and improved pitches.
“PKC wishes to maximise the park’s appeal and visitor potential by exploring the possibility of private investment to develop and manage additional recreational and/or refreshment facilities. These would require to be of a character and quality complimentary to the upgraded park.”
It suggests water or sand play, boating or rafting, climbing, crazy golf or a cafe as possible uses for the site.
Protected by the flood wall, the area already has a shop building and is close to the proposed new council-run amenities. The area would be leased out to interested parties.
A spokesman for Perth and Kinross Council said, “The council is planning to invest £700,000 in a phased programme of improvement works at the South Inch, with the aim of turning it into a destination park to be enjoyed by residents of Perth and Kinross and visitors alike.
“These works are already under way, with phase one improvements being carried out to the boating pond, including timber decks, viewing platforms and new planting. In phase two it is planned to improve walkways and park entrances, upgrade the children’s play area to a premier play facility and renew old signage and furniture.
“We have asked for initial ideas from the private sector and suggestions will be followed-up with interested parties.
“If this ambitious improvement programme can be fully delivered, the South Inch will return to being a major outdoor leisure attraction close to the city centre for the people of Perth and the surrounding area.”