Formulating a blueprint for the future of a Perth community will provide a “big opportunity” for possible development and has attracted political interest, according to a local activist.
Perth Left Bank Development Trust, Perth and Kinross Council and Bridgend, Gannochy and Kinnoull Community Council have organised two events under the banner Bridgend Future with the hope that there will be a big turnout to map out the future of the area.
The Courier has established that £20,000 has been provided towards a charrette, where local residents and businesses will work with expert teams to create ideas for the future of Bridgend.
The meetings will look at ways to regenerate the area and John Swinney, MSP for North Tayside and minister for finance, is expected to play a part.
Dave Beattie, chairman of the Perth Left Bank Trust, told The Courier that Bridgend is badly in need of transformation.
“Bridgend is one of the major entrances to Perth, with tourists who are on their way to the Highlands and Braemar, and it has huge potential,” he said.
“Unfortunately it does not look great today.”
He continued: “We hope we get a good turnout at these two events. I’m pleased that Mr Swinney will attend the second one.”
Mr Beattie said that talks between the trust, the council and the community council led the local authority to declare that the groups’ “vision” for Bridgend was “what they were looking for”.
“A charrette was formed with £20,000 of funding being provided half from the Scottish Government and half from the council,” he went on.
“The council applied for funding and put out tenders to various architects, with three firms in contention. However, 7N had the most experience, so they were chosen.
“There is a lot of money available and, through Perth’s city status, there is access to money such as heritage funding.
“This is a big opportunity for Bridgend and we have worked our butts off as volunteers to get this going.
“One of the trust members has experience of funding and who to contact. However, one big problem is that the charrette will not look at air quality in terms of transport and roads in Bridgend.”
A spokesperson for Perth and Kinross Council said: “The council welcomes the two workshops focusing on Bridgend which have been arranged to take place over the next fortnight.
“People are at the heart of everything we do and these events will give us the opportunity to engage and work with local key stakeholders to progress sustainable regeneration opportunities for the area and its surrounding communities.
“As an organisation, the council is committed to supporting continuous improvement and is looking forward to having these workshops to discuss with community members and local businesses how the council can support them achieve their aspirations and future vision for the Bridgend area.”
This Monday’s event will include a workshop entitled What do you want Bridgend to be like?
The meeting on Monday March 10 will have a drop-in exhibition and another workshop, entitled From Ideas to Reality.
Both events will begin at 5pm in Kinnoull Church hall, Perth.