The owner of what is regarded as Perth’s main eyesore building is now in the “last chance saloon”.
James Boyd, of Simple Marketing Global, faces a race against time to put up scaffolding around the former St Paul’s Church or he will face legal action by Perth and Kinross Council.
In what has become a long-running saga, the previous scaffolding was taken down four weeks ago but has not yet been replaced, despite warnings from the local authority.
Structural engineers visited the ageing building last week, and this included workmen wearing facemasks to protect them from diseases associated with pigeon droppings at the site. The engineer’s report is expected soon.
Mr Boyd took over the running of St Paul’s in June from Edinburgh- based curry chain Khushi’s, and has promised to convert the dilapidated listed building into a £2.5 million caf/ heritage centre. However, his lack of action in putting up fresh scaffolding is causing concern, with the council set to step in if nothing happens.
He told The Courier a scaffolding firm will be visiting the building today with a view to erecting scaffolding on Tuesday.
“I had to buy scaffolding which is only now delivered. My builder and scaffolder will be visiting the building and scaffolding is due to start on Tuesday.”
However, Councillor Peter Barrett, who has taken a great interest in the building, feels the council should be more “proactive” and “need to step in”.
“We have heard promises that scaffolding was going to be erected before,” he said.
“But the fact is that the new owners haven’t made the building safe since they took over ownership and for all that time there has been a risk to the public from masonry and debris falling from height to the streets below.
“The council needs to be much more proactive to secure the building’s future by ramping up enforcement action to ensure public safety and to prevent further damage and decline.
“If scaffolding is erected next week then that is a long overdue step forward but Perth has endured decades of stagnation and deterioration of St Paul’s whilst in private ownership.
“Long-term scaffolding costs and immediate safety works will test the commitment of the new owners to St Paul’s. If they don’t have the appetite or ability to redevelop the building then the council needs to step in.”
A council spokesperson said: “Following an inspection of St Paul’s Church by structural engineers a detailed report will be prepared and reviewed.
“Following this, an urgent works notice will be issued to the building owner, who will have seven days to commence works.
“If the owner fails to take action, the council will step in and carry out emergency works to prevent further deterioration of the building and to make it safe.
“The council will seek to recover costs incurred to carry out the necessary works.”