Several new shops and restaurants are set to open across Perth and Kinross in 2025.
A string of big retailers have launched bids to expand within the region.
The Courier has taken a look at 11 key developments planned across Perth and Kinross.
Aldi, Perth
The budget supermarket has launched a second application to open a new store on Necessity Brae, replacing its Glasgow Road premises.
Aldi’s previous proposal was quashed in 2024 after Tesco successfully challenged the decision.
The latest application does not include any alterations from its unsuccessful bid.
The chain hopes continued public support will secure approval.
The Courier has contacted Tesco to ask if it will contest the resubmitted application.
Perth and Kinross Council will determine the outcome in the coming months.
Sainsbury’s, Auchterarder
Sainsbury’s has lodged plans for a new store in Auchterarder on a site previously occupied by a haulage depot at The Feus.
The supermarket chain says the new shop would reduce the need for out-of-town shopping.
The public consultation period ended on March 27, and Perth and Kinross Council will now decide on the outcome.
Sainsbury’s claims 91% of locals favour the proposal, despite views being split evenly on the planning portal.
Tesco, Pitlochry
Tesco may open in Pitlochry in summer 2026 after the project was delayed.
The site, near the junction of Perth Road and Bridge Road, was originally earmarked by Sainsbury’s, but the retailer pulled out in 2015.
A sales brochure by Sheridan Keane confirmed a building warrant was approved last year, and claimed the store would open in May 2025.
But by April 2025 a deal finalising the development had not yet been signed.
There was said to be a “transaction risk” but if this was overcome work would begin within six weeks.
An estimated 12-month build programme would mean a likely Tesco opening during summer 2026.
When built, the unit will have 25,000 sq ft of floorspace and 177 customer parking spaces.
Greens and Pizza Hut, Perth
Perth is set to gain a new Greens grocery store on Crieff Road as part of a project to bring Pizza Hut back to the Fair City.
The supermarket chain received planning permission in April 2024 to convert the former Auto Services car showroom into a retail unit and hot food takeaway.
Pizza Hut will occupy the takeaway space, marking the company’s first Perth location since its Scott Street restaurant closed in 2019.
Perth and Kinross Council will decide when construction can begin.
Lidl, Perth
Perth and Kinross Council has given the green-light for a second Lidl store in the city, despite potential legal opposition from Tesco who blocked a similar application from Aldi last year.
The discount retailer’s new store is set to be built near Tesco’s existing Crieff Road supermarket, near St Johnstone’s McDiarmid Park stadium.
Planning officers initially recommended refusing the application as the land was originally zoned for housing.
However, a majority of councillors voted in favour of the plans.
Edinburgh Woollen Mill, Perth
Edinburgh Woollen Mill will return to the city centre after closing two Perth branches during the Covid restrictions.
The clothing and accessories retailer previously operated shops on St John Street and Crieff Road.
Now it will reopen in the former Vision PK building on the High Street.
Construction work is already underway after the council approved a new sign on the store front.
Retail park and community hub, Kinross
Work is underway to construct Loch Leven Gateway on the former site of British Car Auctions.
The development could include a garden centre, food retailer, and coffee drive-thru to complement Kinross’s High Street.
The work – led by Loch Developments Ltd – is expected to be completed by summer 2026.
Construction began on the industrial site in July 2024.
Boathouse Restaurant, Kinross
The former Boathouse Restaurant on Loch Leven could be transformed into a new bar and restaurant.
Plans were submitted in October to expand the venue into a bistro and lounge that would open seven days a week.
The space could also host functions and private events.
The public consultation on the plans ended in November and Perth and Kinross Council will now determine the outcome.
Tandoori restaurant, Perth
A new Tandoori restaurant could open on County Place this year.
The unit has been empty since 2020 when the John Ferguson workwear store relocated to new premises.
The family behind the Shish Asian grill enterprise sought a license last year to open the restaurant.
Speaking to The Courier in 2024, businessman Imran Mohammed said the venture would be ready to open this year.
He plans to serve authentic Asian tandoori food from a hot grill pan.
Greens, Scone
The Fife-based Glenshire Group has submitted an application to open a ‘”lagship” Greens outlet in the vacant Ian R Taylor building in Scone.
The furniture store on Perth Road closed in November 2024.
The proposal also includes a retail unit and a hot food takeaway.
The development would include 14 off-street parking spaces.
The outcome of the application will be decided by Perth and Kinross Council.
The Causerie, Blairgowrie
Plans have been unveiled for a new wine bar and restaurant on the site of a former cafe on the High Street in Blairgowrie.
The Causerie’s owner aims to create a specialist bottle shop that serves “flavour-driven food.”
Pending planning approval, the restaurant is set to open at the end of May.
It would operate from Wednesday to Saturday for lunch and Thursday to Saturday in the evenings.
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