The expansion of Perth’s oldest jewellers – and one of the city’s longest-established family businesses – is taking shape with a major redevelopment now under way.
Work has begun at T. Paterson Jeweller on the High Street, converting the existing shop and the adjacent former Campus Sports into one larger store.
Over the coming weeks, both shops will be stripped out, a new shop front instated and arcaded windows installed.
Managing director Derek Paterson believes that the work should be completed by the early summer.
“We’re delighted to say that everything is now in place for the building works to properly begin,” he said.
“We hope to keep disruption to a minimum, and my team and I are doing all we can to keep everything running as smoothly as possible.”
Mr Paterson, whose great-great-great grandfather Thomas founded the business in 1832 and moved to the current location around 1870, admits that the venture is somewhat emotional.
“The shop has been here for such a long time – and always in my family – and I must admit it feels a bit strange to be changing it so much,” he said.
“I have the support of my father, David, and my staff, and I know the shop will look fantastic when it’s finished, and now we’re one step closer to that goal.”
Mr Paterson is keen to emphasise that the shop will remain open as much as possible for the duration of the works, and encourages customers to keep up-to-date on the progress on the shop’s Facebook page.
The announcement by the jewellers to invest in Perth’s High Street was seen as a major vote of confidence in the city’s retail heart, especially as it came in the wake of the closure of several well-known names such as McEwens of Perth and the china and gifts business, Watsons of Perth.
