A transformed Perth City Hall could be open for business within two years, according to the trust heading a £6 million rescue plan.
Perth City Market Trust (PCMT), which recently emerged as the sole bidder to take over the running of the mothballed Edwardian hall, revealed the timescale for their ambitious plans at the weekend.
They are intent on adapting the structure to house Scotland’s first modern food market hall and, in the process, revitalise Perth’s commercial heart.
After a remarketing exercise, Perth and Kinross Council and the selling agents Jones Lang Lasalle are currently examining the PCMT proposals and councillors will consider a report next month.
If the outcome of that meeting pencilled in for December 11 is favourable the trust say the project could proceed full steam ahead.
“If we get the go ahead we know exactly where the funds will come from,” said PCMT director Vivian Linacre.
“It would be very nice if it was open for Christmas 2015. We want to collaborate closely with the council to take this forward and bring it to fruition.”
“What is the alternative without doubt (if the PCMT scheme isn’t backed) the building will be left to molder for several years.”
The trust’s vision is for the foyer of the city hall to be given over to a tourist shop and visitor centre with the hall itself catering for 30 to 40 traders selling fresh food.
The lesser city hall would be used for non-fresh food items and would be designed so it could be cleared to allow it to be hired out for events.
Upper floors would accommodate various activities including restaurants with access to a roof terrace commanding panoramic views across the city.
Mr Linacre said their plans were “the perfect antidote” to internet shopping and out of town stores.
He said it would restore the city centre as a social hub and the food market hall would provide “vitality, colour, excitement and fun”.
The trust’s plans have won the backing of the Prince’s Regeneration Trust, founded by Prince Charles, whose chief executive Ros Kerslake said: “It’s a chance for the city to retain a historic building, showcase its food culture, draw in visitors and boost local trade.”
As part of the process PCMT is now registered as a company limited by guarantee and has appointed Dundee-based property professional Bruce Linton of James Keiller Estates as chairman. The other directors are former Perth and Kinross Council chief executive Jim Cormie and former council planning director Denis Munro.
They are soon to be embarking on a visit to the north of England where the food market hall concept has been successfully operated at a number of locations.
PCMT is now a member of the National Association of British Market Authorities (NABMA) and the National Market Traders Federation (NMTF).
Mr Linacre said if council backing was forthcoming the first steps would be to look for a draft lease agreement, prepare detailed architects’ drawings and apply for a building warrant,
A spokesperson for the council confirmed that councillors were intending to sit down to decide on the bid soon.
“The process is ongoing but our aim is to put a report to the full council on December 11,” they said.