The entrepreneur behind the planned redevelopment of a dilapidated former church in Perth has defended his actions since taking ownership of the listed building.
James Boyd, legal and compliance manager with Belfast-based Simple Marketing Global (SMG), said he has attended six meetings and four site visits in two months, and stated he will “forge ahead” with his proposals for St Paul’s Church.
This followed concerns raised by Councillor Peter Barrett, who claimed the building is in “danger of imminent collapse” due to scaffolding being taken down.
He said residents had contacted him to suggest the new owners of St Paul’s Church had “abandoned their intention” to renovate the building, and were seeking to sell it to a third party.
Mr Barrett said: “The council needs to step in and stop companies playing ‘pass the parcel’ for liability to repair the building.”
However, Mr Boyd, who runs businesses in Belfast and Manchester, revealed the dilapidated landmark has already cost him “considerable expense, time and resource” after being in possession of it for just two months. He intends to create a cafe/heritage centre at the site.
“At least six meetings, four site visits with project managers, grant funding and Perth and Kinross Council have taken place,” he said.
“Funds have been made available for initial works and the current problem with the scaffolding was inherited by us from the previous owners. New scaffolders are standing by but can’t do that until the current sub-standard work and material is removed.”
He continued: “We have at no time placed the building for sale and are not abandoning our intentions. The building seems to have a chequered history and raises emotions which we were not aware it would prior to taking over the site.
“We can’t be held liable for past actions and can assure the councillor that we will forge ahead with our plans.”
A spokesman for Perth and Kinross Council said: “The maintenance and management of the building is first and foremost a matter for the owner.
“The council would only become involved should the building be determined as presenting an immediate risk to the public.
“Building standards have inspected St Paul’s and whilst they see no immediate danger, protective barriers will be installed adjacent to the building until the new scaffolding has been erected.”