After three years of frustration it looks like a new owner for a caf, once described as a potential “gold mine” for Perth, has been found.
The Courier can reveal that plans have been drawn up in relation to the refurbishment of the South Inch pavilion with a contractor selected and work due to start early next year.
Perth and Kinross Council have also stated that a person has been chosen to take over the running of the caf facility with a view to an Easter 2016 opening.
The development should provide a much-needed boost to the pavilion, which underwent a £570,000 investment by the local authority in 2013.
Councillor Willie Wilson said: “I understand that an updated report on the South Inch pavilion will be brought to the Perth common good fund on Wednesday, December 16. I hope very much that we can ensure the area will benefit from a caf facility by spring next year.”
Perth and Kinross Council previously agreed that the pavilion be advertised for development and should operate as a caf. Work was carried out in 2014 to provide basic facilities in preparation for a caf operator funded through the council’s general fund.
However, after receiving tender submissions it became clear to the local authority that the aspirations of the bidders were greater than the original scope of works could accommodate.
A report drawn up by Barbara Renton, Perth and Kinross Council’s director of environment, stated that “the electrical loading” of the proposed catering equipment was checked against the capacity of the pavilion and was found to be “insufficient.”
“Associated building works needed for the operation of a full caf provision have also been found to be more extensive,” her report said.
“Therefore, it was not possible to offer the South Inch pavilion to the preferred bidder in 2015. There have also been recent break-ins and vandalism to the internal fabric and some remediation work is required as part of the further fit-out scheme.
“Tenanting of the building, which is currently vacant, will enhance the amenity of the area and improve the general environment of this part of the South Inch.”
Former Perth and Kinross Council Perth common good fund convener Jack Coburn, who is now retired, had said: “A caf would be a great addition to the South Inch and, I believe, could be a wee gold mine for the city.”
A spokesperson for Perth and Kinross Council said a contractor had been appointed to begin refurbishment work at the site and that a new caf owner had also been selected.
“Following a lease process, a preferred bidder has been selected and should commence operation of the caf facility at the South Inch pavilion by Easter 2016,” she said.
“At this time the lease is still being finalised so we cannot confirm who the preferred bidder is.”