Perth City Hall took a step closer to demolition on Wednesday as councillors unanimously rejected a rescue plan.
At a heated meeting in the council chambers, the backers of plans to convert the listed building into a food hall fought passionately but ultimately in vain to sway opinion.
Before Perth and Kinross Council was an independent report that cast doubt on the ability of the Perth City Market Trust to take forward its ambitious scheme.
The trust’s architect James Simpson admitted to errors and omissions in the bid, but nonetheless pleaded for an extra six months to convince the council, urging it to become an active partner in the project’s success.
He claimed saving the city hall was “clearly the best way forward for Perth” and read statements from high-profile supporters, all horrified at the thought of losing the near 100-year-old building.
Their pleas failed, however, and instead it was agreed that the council should re-submit an application to Scottish ministers for listed building consent to demolish the hall.
That would pave the way for the creation of a new civic square in the heart of Perth, which backers say would be capable of generating an estimated £600,000 a year for the economy.
The chamber was told there had been “merit in the proposed use and design” but that the business case, funding arrangements and commercial terms were all flawed.
Councillors, meanwhile, said they were “angry and disappointed” in equal measure that after two years of delay they had not been presented with a better plan.
“Two years, 25 days and 29 minutes have been lost so far in this process and yet the plan before us has very little to recommend anyone to support it,” said John Kellas.
“The city square concept, meanwhile, can give our city a heart that will beat loudly, be filled with markets and events and benefit our pubs, restaurants, shops and economy.”
Conservative group leader Mac Roberts was “extremely disappointed” by the lack of interest in the hall from potential developers.
He said he was rejecting the rescue bid as it was “a dream, rather than a convincing business plan”.
Labour leader Archie MacLellan told colleagues he had been left with “conflicting emotions”.
“There is disappointment that despite the propaganda there has been no proper bid and anger at the costs involved in this process,” he said.
“I do not doubt the motives and sincerity of the people behind this bid as these are men who have contributed significantly to Perth.
“In this, however, they have made a serious error of judgment.”
Liberal Democrat Willie Robertson voted for demolition “with regret”, saying: “I came here hoping that I could vote against this and instead in favour of a project that would have saved the taxpayer £3.5 to £4 million, but the figures sadly just don’t stack up.”
Following the meeting, Mr Simpson said: “It seemed like a lot of members were very pleased to be able to make a decision that they have obviously wanted to for a long time.
“I think that councillors’ minds have been closed to new ideas perhaps for as long as 20 years.
“There has simply not been enough consideration of the possibility that the future of this building could be changed.
“They are in very great danger of creating a bleak and empty space where a civic hall, beautifully restored and reopened as a market hall, could be of huge benefit to the city.”
Businessman Vivian Linacre added: “We have lost this battle, but the real war starts tomorrow.”
What next for the city hall? See Friday’s Courier for the latest.