An MP is urging Perth and Kinross Council to press ahead with its plans to build a civic square in the Fair City.
Pete Wishart, MP for Perth and North Perthsire, believes that plans to convert the City Hall into a market food hall are “unworkable”.
He told The Courier he feels the case for creating a civic square on the site has been strengthened by the complaints levelled at this year’s Perth Christmas Market.
“This Christmas is when the case for a civic square has become overwhelming and unanswerable,” said the SNP politician.
“Complaints from retailers and unhappiness from those invited to provide Christmas attractions can go on no longer and we have to reclaim our city centre so that these events can be properly accommodated and enjoyed by the people of Perth.
“The simple fact is we simply can’t shoehorn events into space that does not exist.
“Because we lack dedicated outdoor space, events and attractions have to be accommodated on busy streets with unsuitable compromises being made everywhere.
“We therefore have Christmas chalets in the High Street, markets in King Edward Street and an outdoor ice rink at Sportsters, when they should all be together in a user-friendly space where they can be properly enjoyed.”
He added: “The council have tried everything to make Perth an outdoor visitor centre and we will lose this vital trade unless this is resolved.
“Outdoor attractions and special events are now key drivers in attracting visitors and shoppers and we must be allowed to compete for this important market.”
The local authority’s long-standing aim has been to demolish the City Hall but it was forced to put the building back on the market in July after Historic Scotland once again called for its retention.
Interested parties now have a deadline of January 16 to submit their alternative plans for the listed building, which was renowned for hosting concerts and party political conferences, including the maiden speech by the late Prime Minister, Margaret Thatcher.
Perth Market Place Ltd claims its food hall plan would involve less cost and save most of the City Hall.
A spokesman said: “We believe our plans will conserve the majority of the existing hall as it is today perhaps as much as 90%.
“I believe this project fits in to the council’s grand design for the future of Perth.”
He added that the revised scheme had received positive feedback from Historic Scotland and said that it had been endorsed by the Prince’s Foundation for Building Community.