Empty premises which blight Perth city centre are to be given a makeover as part of a new initiative.
Vacant shop units are to be used to promote events under a project being launched by the council.
The local authority’s Perth city centre team has joined forces with Street Advertising Services (SAS) to provide a service which will allow long-term empty retail premises to be temporarily covered and used for display of event posters.
The scheme will brighten up the city centre and allow the promotion of events around Perth and Kinross, as well as the display of public notices. It is also hoped that the initiative will reduce fly-posting around the city.
Perth city centre management has worked with SAS to identify two buildings that would benefit from a faade transformation the Clachan at 10 South Methven Street, and Margarites at 15 Main Street, Bridgend.
The work on the Clachan has been welcomed by neighbouring businesses, who are pleased with the new look given to what is a long-standing vacant unit.
Marco Delpippo, owner of the nearby Quality Caf, says he is “very happy” to see the work taking place on the Clachan. SAS has also installed a poster tower on the High Street, which is situated between Clarks and Thorntons.
The tower is already in full use with many local events being advertised.
Sandra Ralston, administrator for the Perth Festival of the Arts, said: “We are delighted to be the first to use the poster tower. This will be a great way of letting everyone see what’s on in Perth.”
The posting of advertisements on the shop fronts and on the tower will be controlled by SAS.
Event promoters are charged to display their posters and this covers costs of the materials used. There is no cost to the owners of the properties taking part.
A similar poster site project is already being run successfully by Street Advertising Services for city centre management in Dundee.