Perth city centre is “performing better” than other city and town centres in Scotland according to a new report.
A dossier drawn up by Barbara Renton, Perth and Kinross Council’s director of environment, says most vacant units in High Street and the wider city centre are currently under offer.
One is being sold while there are plans to demolish another.
Ms Renton’s report states there are a number of high-profile vacant sites in Perth city centre.
And the council is working with James Boyd, owner of St Paul’s Church described as “currently a top priority”.
There are new owners for the former Perth Co-operative building in Scott Street with plans to convert the property into flats.
Ms Renton also confirms work is due to begin shortly on empty flats at 240 High Street.
Dialogue is ongoing with owners of flats located at 173 High Street with a view to work progressing there.
And she confirms that St Catherine’s Retail Park has now secured tenants for all the vacant units on the site and openings are anticipated over the next six months.
In her report, Ms Renton states: “The health and appearance of Perth city centre is of significant interest to residents, businesses and visitors.
“There is a perception that the city centre is declining and there are a high number of vacant properties or properties in disrepair within Perth.
“However, Perth is performing better than other city and town centres.
“In addition, evidence suggests there are opportunities for investment in a range of uses and Perth is performing better than other city and town centres in this area.”
She also refers to data supplied by the council’s city development team which shows that the local data company vacancy rate for Perth is 7.7% compared to 21% for neighbouring Dundee.
The persistent vacancy rate for Perth currently stands at 5% compared to Dundee’s 10%.