Traders have been urged to attend a public meeting to discuss the future of Perth City Centre in the wake of a number of store closures and the uncertainty surrounding Beales.
SNP politicians Pete Wishart MP and John Swinney MSP are hosting the forum at the Royal George Hotel on Thursday at 7.30pm to highlight the high street’s positive aspects and listen to ideas from business owners.
The meeting has been called in the week Gap will close in the city centre and saw Disney pulling out of the St John’s Centre.
The future of Beales also hangs in the balance with administrators KPMG still trying to find a buyer for the crisis-hit department store chain.
Mr Wishart wants to discuss “the issues that are at play” in terms of current trading conditions and to see what more can be done to ensure that the city centre is “as vibrant as possible”.
He said: “I have already heard a number of great ideas come from various business owners and it is important that in amongst all the negative stories that we have heard of late, that we don’t lose sight of the fact that Perth City Centre already has a number of great independent retailers and we do attract shoppers, theatre goers and diners from other parts of the country already.
“Whilst primarily aimed at business owners and those who manage premises in the centre of Perth, this event is open to all and I would encourage any interested party to come along and share their views.”
Mr Swinney added: “It is vital that all stakeholders work together to ensure the viability of our city centre in the years to come.
“Whilst there is no “silver bullet” that will solve all of the challenges, I am hopeful that by bringing together all interested parties we can identify positive steps that can be taken to support city centre traders.”
The duo say they have invited other elected representatives from across the political spectrum in the hope of hearing that a wide range of views and experiences in relation to the issue.
