Potential saviours of Perth City Hall have been given the royal seal of approval.
The Prince’s Regeneration Trust, founded by Prince Charles, has backed the only proposal on the table to save the former civic centrepiece from the bulldozers.
Perth City Market Trust (PCMT) has been bidding for years to secure the lease of the city hall and redevelop it to create a high-quality covered market food hall.
Now they hope their high-profile supporters will give them the edge as they attempt to persuade Perth and Kinross Council that they have the means to make the plan a reality.
“This presents a huge opportunity for Perth to develop as Scotland’s food capital,” said Ros Kerslake, who is chief executive of the Prince’s Regeneration Trust.
“It’s a chance for the city to retain a historic building, showcase its food culture, draw in visitors and boost local trade.
“We are delighted to be able to use our extensive experience of community and heritage regeneration to support this project.”
Following a new tendering process, the Perth City Market Trust emerged this week as the sole bidder willing to take over the running of the mothballed hall.
The trust should know the outcome by early next year once its proposals are reviewed by both the agents marketing the building and Perth and Kinross Council.