A new stunning vision has been set out for a rundown area of Perth, including a new footbridge, floating pontoons, houses built on stilts and a waterfront music venue The Courier can reveal.
The proposals, which would also see Stanner’s Island turned into a maintained garden and lit up at night, are the result of meetings that were held to discuss the future of Bridgend and are the culmination of a 20-year vision for the area.
The striking overhead image of Bridgend illustrates a rejuvenated area that is reconnected with the river via a new footbridge linking both banks of the River Tay.
The new bridge would connect Bridgend to the High Street at the heart of the city centre and is intended to enhance the appeal of the riverside to visitors.
Funding for the ambitious project could be available through Perth achieving its city status.
Once the announcement was made, Historic Scotland stated they would provide a grant of £650,000 to Perth and Kinross Heritage Trust over three years, towards the restoration and maintenance of the unique heritage of the Fair City.
The bulk of these funds will go towards repairs on historic buildings. Bridgend has recently been subject to flooding and has also seen flats demolished as they were deemed to be in a dangerous state.
Following widespread concerns over the rundown state of Bridgend it was decided to form a charrette, which involve a series of interactive design workshops and presentations held over a number of days where the public, local design professionals and project consultants work together on developing a detailed master plan for the site meetings held to plan out a vision of an area.
The charrette was funded by Perth and Kinross Council and the Scottish Government and the initiative was developed in collaboration with the Perth Left Bank Community Development Trust and Bridgend, Gannochy and Kinnoull Community Council.
A series of issues were raised at the meetings. These included the constant flow of traffic and associated air pollution, plus untended buildings – some said to be in a dangerous state.
For the long-term, ideas of a hub for the local community and a footbridge from the High Street were top of the list.
As a result of the recent meetings, a host of proposals were raised to transform Bridgend, with the building of a pedestrian bridge linking the area with Perth city centre. Traffic and improving the corner building at Bridgend above Hat in the Cat were also some of the main priorities.
The ambitious plans would also see turning Stanner’s Island into a maintained garden with buildings on stilts and the whole area lit up at night time reminiscent of the Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen. It is also proposed to have floating pontoons on the River Tay for water sports and eating.
Plans have already been mooted for a water taxi on the River Tay to take people to the V&A in Dundee when it opens.
In addition, Bridgend could have licensed premises at the waterfront with a music venue built on the river and a hub that would link it to the V&A.
The proposals would also see closing off Lochie Brae to make it pedestrianised, temporary street reclamation for markets and making the first hour of parking free in the Bridgend area.