A £400 million bid to turn Perth into one of Europe’s “great small cities” will be reassessed following McEwens’ shock announcement.
The Perth City Plan, which was approved by councillors just a few weeks ago, proposes a series of large-scale developments aimed at making the city a more attractive place to live, work and shop.
The blueprint was put together by the Perth City Development Board, a public-private concern which was steered by chairman John Bullough, McEwens’ managing director.
When the plan was first agreed in 2015, Mr Bullough said: “Developing the city isn’t just about building roads, houses or schools.
“We need all of these things, but the Perth City Plan sets out actions for smart growth so that we are building the right houses, with high-quality designs, to create a new generation of sustainable communities and neighbourhoods with access to employment and services.”
He added: “Many towns and cities come up with similar plans to this, but only a select few deliver them. Those who do succeed, do so through bravery.
“It’s the confidence, guts and aspiration to deliver plans that a very few, very loud people always complain about.
“The more ambitious the plans are, the louder the noise.”
The plan, which went to public consultation in September, urges council leaders to build on the city’s reputation for “great independent retailers”.
It urged major improvements for the city centre between now and 2035, when the city’s population is expected to grow to 60,000.
These include the £1 million Mill Quarter project and creative lighting on landmark buildings.
A council spokeswoman confirmed that in light of McEwens’ announcement, the city plan would be reviewed.