A host of possible uses for a site in the grounds of a Perth hospital has been mooted, including a hotel, a care home and leisure facilities.
These are some of the options for the “surplus” land and buildings at Murray Royal Hospital which will be discussed at a public consultation on Wednesday.
A £75 million project transformed the hospital into a state-of-the-art facility which was opened by First Minister Alex Salmond in June last year.
NHS Tayside is now looking at a masterplan for the vacated sites, including the original B-listed building.
Bridgend, Gannochy and Kinnoull Community Council has raised concerns about possible development on the site and accused organisers of the last public meeting of hosting a “charade”.
NHS Tayside says that the masterplan process is being undertaken to seek “appropriate” new uses for the surplus land and buildings.
A spokeswoman for NHS Tayside said: “A range of uses are being considered for inclusion in the masterplan and this is not restricted to housing. Other uses, including care facilities, open space, social enterprise and community uses, are all on the table for discussion.
“Other, more commercial uses, such as hotel, leisure, and office space, are also on the agenda.”
The masterplan is investigating ways to retain the most significant buildings and the parkland landscape on the site.
The masterplan team has had several meetings and contact with key and statutory stakeholders, including Perth and Kinross Council, Historic Scotland, Bridgend, Gannochy and Kinnoull Community Council and Perth Left Bank Development Trust.
The spokeswoman added that there was a “very good” turnout from the local community at the first consultation event in December.
“This allowed concerns to be raised around large-scale housing on the site, loss of public open space, and the impact of development on the local road network, air quality and schools’ capacity,” she said.
NHS Tayside has stated that public access to routes and open spaces on the site will be maintained and improved.
In addition, the health authority revealed, it is in discussions with Perth and Kinross Association of Voluntary Service (PKAVS) regarding the charity’s “continued presence” after praising its work on the Walled Garden at the site.
She said that discussions are ongoing with the council to understand the implications of development for the local road network and whether the work could be phased to account for capacity issues and initiatives like the Cross Tay Link Road.
“The ongoing Murray Royal Hospital masterplan is considering two areas of the former hospital site in Perth that NHS Tayside has declared surplus to future requirements,” she commented.
“The remaining land and buildings are no longer required by NHS Tayside, which has a duty to dispose of any properties within its ownership which are declared surplus.”
The event will take place on Wednesday in the Hub building at Murray Royal, with an opportunity to view mixed use options from 1pm to 4.30pm, followed by workshops from 4.30pm to 6.30pm and from 7.30pm to 9.30pm.