A plan to demolish the derelict Waverley Hotel in Perth to build a multi-use church hall and flats has been shelved.
Businesswoman and philanthropist Ann Gloag was behind the move to raze the C-listed former hotel on the corner of York Place and Caledonian Road to build a hall to link social activities at the adjacent Trinity Church of the Nazarene.
Ms Gloag and her brother, Sir Brian Souter, are both members of the Perth church.
The proposed development included a sports hall and would also have resulted in three villas and eight flats being built on the site.
A spokesman for Ms Gloag told The Courier that she will now be reapplying, due mainly to “technical issues” on the original application.
A letter sent on behalf of the developers to Perth and Kinross Council by Comrie-based architects the Denholm Partnership confirms that the proposals have been withdrawn.
The Waverley Hotel, which had become synonymous in Perth with “high tea”, was turned into a homeless hostel before closing its doors in 2011, since when it has been boarded up.
A report submitted to the council by the Denholm Partnership stated the case for demolition of the hotel to make way for the multi-use hall and new properties.
It said: “The Trinity Church of the Nazarene are committed to working with all members of the community and, in particular, are very keen to expand the current work with teenagers but there is not adequate space for this.
“In order to fulfil this need, sketch design proposals have been prepared which will provide an improvement of the layout of the church to provide additional floor space for multi-use/discussion/social areas.
“To provide this, there would require to be some reconfiguration to the existing layout of the church, along with a new building to the north and west of the church. The building will house a new lobby, sports hall and gym facilities to the west.
“The proposed new facilities can then run in parallel to the existing programme in the neighbouring church building. The gym will be open to the local community this will include the proposed new flatted development.”
Historic Scotland had written to the local authority to express concern about the demolition of the hotel.
The heritage body’s letter said: “On the basis of the current submitted application, we are not satisfied that justification for demolition of this listed building has been clearly demonstrated in line with relevant national policy on listed buildings.
“We therefore recommend that your council resists the proposal for demolition and explores options for the restoration, adaptation and reuse of the listed building.”