More must be done to boost the profile of Perth in order to help the city centre survive, it has been claimed.
Councillor Alan Livingstone has unveiled an ambitious “wish list” of actions that he believes will attract more visitors.
He is urging Perth and Kinross Council to look further than hosting major events and the restoration of city status.
Instead, he has called for the local authority to focus on rejuvenating Perth by offering a wider range of attractions, as well as securing cheaper parking.
Mr Livingstone said: “For Perth to be what it once was a thriving centre of successful, independent retailers requires more work.
“Open doors and listening ears are insufficient. A willingness to shrug off lethargy and to become active facilitators of change is vitally important.
“I appreciate the council cannot do everything by itself but now is the time to be doing something.
“Relying on recently-bestowed city status and the Ryder Cup at Gleneagles will not make a lasting change for the better.
“They can and should be catalysts for raising much-needed awareness of what Perth can become again as a highly-regarded niche retail, hospitality and tourist destination for residents and visitors.”
As part of his vision for Perth, Mr Livingstone is keen to see multi-million-pound plans for the River Tay come to fruition.
Details of a unique park and sail venture at West Kinfauns first came to light 18 months ago but no progress has been made since then.
A 10-year master plan developed by Tay Salmon Fisheries in partnership with Perth and Kinross Council estimates that the facility which would provide a new link between Perth and Dundee could cost at least £1.8 million.
The Almond and Earn councillor also hopes to see increased investment in Tay Street and Watergate, which he describes as “natural gateways”.
Mr Livingstone added: “If we cannot substantially increase the number of attractions that lure people to the city, we need to make it easier and cheaper for them to drive into and park in Perth.
“This means improving the signage to car parks and improving signage in car parks so that entry and exit are beyond all uncertainty.
“We also need to offer easier and more convenient ways to pay for parking by installing equipment that allows payment on exit, by both cash and plastic as a minimum.
“The cost of parking also needs to be reduced car parking charges should not be determined by comparison with other towns and cities but by economic, retail and footfall need.
“If footfall is reducing and consistently so we should bite the bullet and reduce parking charges, so reducing an obvious obstacle to people coming into our city,” added Mr Livingstone.