The largest private employer in Perth’s town centre believes plans to demolish the former city hall can now claim almost “universal” support.
John Bullough, chairman and managing director of McEwens of Perth, one of the town’s oldest and most well known businesses, is convinced that the council’s vision for a civic square will relaunch the town.
He believes the square will rejuvenate Perth’s reputation as a premium market town and establish it as the heart of Scotland and has called on the last remaining opponents to stand aside.
The idea of a civic square was initially met with significant resistance by the public, but over the years the tide of feeling has changed.
Though some dissenting voices remain with opponents still keen to see all or at least part of the hall retained Perth and Kinross Council’s plan now has widespread support.
The public has now voted for demolition, alongside all of Perth’s main institutions, including the Civic Trust, Chamber of Commerce and St John’s Kirk.
“Perth lacks a heart, a focal point for tourists, students and residents to congregate” said Mr Bullough, who has spent years campaigning for the demolition of the city hall.
“We have such a fabulous amount to offer in Perth, but the lack of a civic space lets us down.’Unprecedented cross-party approval'”Never before has a project had such universal, cross-party approval in the council, which will hopefully pave the way for a speedy decision by Historic Scotland, so we can begin this exciting new chapter in Perth’s history.
“There will always be a number of individuals that will be sorry to see the city halls go.
“I remember performing there as a child and it is always a shame when the life of any building comes to an end, but to start a new chapter we need to finish the old, it is a brave but necessary decision that must be made.”
Mr Bullough said it was time for opponents to step aside and let the civic square plan become a reality as quickly as possible.
He said, “There are a number of very honourable citizens that are objecting to the plan for demolition and suggesting an option of partial demolition instead.
“Their plan is identical to one of the options rejected by the council, the consultants and the public during the consultation and the outcome of their objection will only result in delaying this fabulous development.”
He added, “Life for us all will get worse before it gets better as the demolition and repaving will be a long and messy affair, but the fabulous city square will change all of our lives.Thousands of customers”Weekly markets, events, parades, exhibitions, displays and concerts will bring hundreds of thousands of customers into Perth. We will, once again, become a premier, specialist market town, the beating heart of Scotland and the gateway to the Highlands.
“The council are to be congratulated on their vision and courage in seeing this controversial project through.”
Jo Young, session clerk for St John’s Kirk, has also reiterated the support given to the local authority’s plan to create a civic square.
She believes the plan will enhance and improve the setting of the kirk and is vital to the success of its current refurbishment.
Mrs Young said, “Our view is that this plan will allow the kirk to become the dominant building within the setting of the square.
“While the kirk’s Vision for the Future project is almost complete, the final part of the project and the completion of the works at the west door are dependent on any decision on the future of the city hall site.”