A drive to establish Perth as one of Europe’s most vibrant destinations will see more than £1 million spent on creating a “cultural quarter”.
Focusing on Mill Street, the ambitious proposals aim to breathe new life into the city centre.
Spurred on by recent investment in local businesses, a programme of improvements has been unveiled to ensure Perth remains a desirable place to live and work in and to visit.
The three-phase project will begin later this year and will include additional car parking at a cost of £250,000; a £1.279m upgrade of the Skinnergate, Guard Vennel and Mill Street; and external improvements to Perth Theatre.
A report detailing the work will be discussed by members of the enterprise and infrastructure committee on Wednesday.
It says that the improvements in the heart of the city “will provide additional space for new commercial opportunities, particularly retail, and support the City Development Strategy.
“It will also build upon the recent investment in the Concert Hall, Premier Inn and forthcoming Perth Theatre development, creating a ‘cultural quarter’ within the city centre” the report goes on.
“A key strand of the Invest in Perth marketing strategy will be the attraction of new retail, commercial businesses or housing into the city centre.”
The report says that sites “will be marketed nationally and internationally to secure inward investment for city centre uses and events”.
Proposals include demolishing the Banks of Perth warehouse and replacing it with a car park; creating a new pedestrian-friendly zone outside Perth Concert Hall; and lighting up the vennels at night to make them more welcoming.
The report continues: “A safer, high-quality environment for pedestrians will extend along the south of Mill Street, improving the attraction of the area and increasing dwell time.
Funds have been secured for the first two phases of the project but the council will need to put forward a business case for the work surrounding Perth Theatre.
Enterprise and infrastructure convener John Kellas said: “This project will make a valuable and positive contribution to the overall vibrancy of Perth as a welcoming city.