Councillors have unanimously agreed to set the ball rolling on a bid for a £1.8 billion package of investment which could unlock thousands of jobs and projects.
Perth and Kinross Council has teamed up with local authorities in Fife, Angus and Dundee on a “once in a lifetime” application for Tay Cities Deal money.
If successful, it could provide crucial funding for a range of local projects including the Cross Tay Link Road (CTLR), much improved bus and railway stations and the transformation of Perth City Hall.
The bid was approved at Thursday’s full council meeting, despite criticism that there were no sports projects on a wishlist of investment for the area.
David Littlejohn, who heads the Tay Cities Deal, told councillors Live Active Leisure’s PH20 project — a redevelopment of the city’s pool — had been considered for inclusion but the proposal “wasn’t particularly well constructed” at that time and needed more work.
Mr Littlejohn said he hoped an indicative offer of money from the Scottish and UK governments, along with a finalised list of investments, would be made by the end of the summer.
Councillor Lewis Simpson raised concerns about funding for the Cross Tay Link Road project, which represented about 20% of the bid.
Calling for assurances that others would also back the new bridge, Mr Simpson said: “I wouldn’t want us to be wasting our time and money on a project if it isn’t going to be completed.”
Council leader Ian Miller said he was confident the council was in an “excellent position” to commence negotiations with both governments, but stressed that “nothing is guaranteed”.
He added: “The Perth and Kinross economy is growing. Our ability to further accelerate that growth and prosperity will rely, to a great extent, on the success of this bid.
“I want to see Perth and Kinross at the forefront of the modernisation and innovation process. It’s not good enough for us to be playing catch up, we need to be ahead of the game and leading int whichever field we can.”
Mr Miller said: “This really is a once in a lifetime opportunity for us to do all these things and more.
“This is something we should all be fighting for because everyone in the area stands to benefit.”
Councillor John Kellas described the proposals as “exciting projects which will form the basis of an extraordinary legacy for Perth and Kinross”.
Councillor Peter Barrett added: “If the Tay Cities Deal is to become the economic powerhouse for the region, then we need the tools and power and the investment of confidence and trust to deliver on that deal.
“We need to get the message out to communities that this isn’t just a list of multi-million-pound projects, its about their wellbeing and prosperity and ensuring our young people have a brighter future, while giving everyone a better quality of life.”
