Developers have submitted plans for the innovative Perth West eco-project, which is expected to bring in over £65 million a year to the Perthshire economy and generate over 2,000 jobs.
The John Dewar Lamberkin Trust has finalised its proposals for the futuristic development which it believes will transform Perth, creating 1,500 new homes, an innovation business park, leisure and educational facilities.
The project will support 1,285 construction jobs, generating a one-off £118 million boost to the local economy with longer term projections forecasting Perth West will bring in £65 million per year and create 1,000 full time jobs.
The developers hope the project, which is now in the hands of the local authority, will help Perth become the most sustainable small city in Europe.
Key to the low-carbon aspirations of Perth West is the Innovation Highway – a road corridor between the Broxden project and the city centre which will allow residents, businesses and public transport operators to access smart energy to cut emissions.
A mobility hub will also provide smart travel initiatives, including parking and car sharing facilities, electric charging points for cars and bikes, a medical centre and a bus service, being created in tandem with Stagecoach, to utilise new green technologies.
Alexander Dewar, of the John Dewar Lamberkin Trust, believes the low-carbon project will help the Perthshire economy recover in the post-lockdown world.
Mr Dewar said: “This is the culmination of eight years of planning and collaborative research to support the growth of Perth through investment in infrastructure and land that enables climate change adaptation, skilled employment opportunities and public amenities for the city and region.
“As a consequence of the covid-19 crisis we must urgently rebuild our economy and create jobs, but in a manner that addresses the graver challenge of climate change.
“The Scottish government has committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 75% by 2030.
“We should take the initiative now and invest in the green economy which will address both issues.
“Evidence from the recession of 2008 shows that green stimulus policies proved more effective to economic recovery than traditional approaches.”
The developer believes his project can help lead the way in changing how people travel and adapt to the changes witnessed since the beginning of the pandemic.
Mr Dewar said: “The climate emergency has not gone away.
“We’ve got recognise that government intervention is going to be needed to get the UK, Scotland and the world out of a deep recession, and the plea is to lets look to the future and lets invest in the economy in a way that is also dealing with the climate.
“Covid-19 has shown how active travel has potentially changed.
“We have become a nation of cyclists and walkers and the car might no longer be king – and we need to adapt that into public transport.
“We have seen studies of how the environment has began to recover during this – we should not let these gains be lost, we should learn from it.”
