A “thriving” countryside store on the edge of Perth has unveiled plans for a £1 million makeover.
The popular Perthshire Visitor Centre at Bankfoot has been a magnet for tourists, shoppers and diners for more than 25 years.
It was recently rebranded as Taste Perthshire following a five-figure investment.
Owner Calum MacLellan has tabled plans for a major overhaul, with the ultimate aim of bringing in more coach parties travelling up and down the nearby A9.
The redevelopment will transform the 1970s building, create about 15 jobs and is expected to pump about £250,000 into the economy during construction.
It will also offer visitors better access to the centre’s famous Highland cattle herd in fields behind the property.
In paperwork lodged with Perth and Kinross Council, a spokesman for architect firm Mill Design said: “The existing building was built in the late 1970s and is now beginning to look rather tired, and while the building is generally sound, its appearance needs to be refreshed in order to reflect the new and growing brand of Taste Perthshire.”
He added: “Taste Perthshire is a thriving local retail business and currently employs some 44 members of staff on both a part-time and full-time basis.
“The future expansion of this business… will enable a minimum of an additional 10 to 15 staff, to be employed from the local area.
“The proposed development at Taste Pertshire and the alteration of the existing building to enhance the existing restaurant and retail offer will be a true asset to both the local area and the region as a whole, boosting the local economy.”
The expansion will create a bigger restaurant and more space for retail, as well as making the site safer and more accessible for coaches.
The centre was rebooted in 2015 with the aim of becoming a standard-bearer for the region’s food and drink.
Designs for the new look building will be assessed by council planners over the summer.
Mr MacLellan was unavailable to speak about the project.
