As a firm believer that it is one of the most attractive, dynamic and exciting cities in the country, it’s fair to say that Ian Miller is always positive about Perth.
Nevertheless, the Perth and Kinross Council leader believes the next decade could be a golden age for the city.
Ian Miller told The Courier it is an exciting time for the city as he set out an ambitious plan for investment and expansion.
He foresees new hotels, new businesses, new interest in the city and a major boost to the region’s already burgeoning tourism industry.
And though the benefits of city status may not yet be wholly apparent, behind the scenes the extra cach is beginning to bear fruit.
High level talks could lead to a host of exciting developments in the months to come though many are still very hush-hush.
The city and surrounding area will also look to push on with a major housebuilding programme in a bid to address the region’s status as Scotland’s fastest-growing local authority area.
It is estimated that between 6,000 and 10,000 new homes are required and they will have to be joined by new schools and improved roads infrastructure as the city expands.
“We are already a successful city, but the restoration of city status has given us extra impetus to reach our goals,” Mr Miller said.
“There has been a huge amount of new interest in Perth. It is tangible, and inquiries from companies seeking to relocate here have been growing week on week, and we are hugely heartened by that.
“While people have been prompted to look at Perth because of the return of our city status, they are also doing so because of its location and setting and the quality of life on offer.
“I think this is one of the most desirable places to live in, to work in, to visit and to invest in in the whole of Scotland.”
Mr Miller said he was enthusiastic about plans for the refurbishment of the St Catherine’s Retail Park, the expansion of the St John’s Centre, the rejuvenation of Perth Theatre and the commitment of new and existing companies to the city.
Aviva’s announcement that it had purchased its site at Cherrybank and committed to the city has been seen as evidence that national companies have confidence in Perth.
Sainsbury’s, meanwhile, is committing millions to a new superstore on Perth’s Western Edge, on the site of the old Perth Mart, together with major investment in roads infrastructure that will eventually assist with the expansion of Perth.
High speed broadband is also being rolled out across the region, with Perth’s business sector, in particular, set to benefit from fibre optic services.
Mr Miller also believes that the future remains bright for the retail sector, not least because of the number and high quality of independent shops on offer within Perth.
And he hopes 2013 will also see an end to the City Hall saga, no matter whether the verdict is demolition, or one of the schemes suggested for its retention proves to be a viable.
New industrial estate space, greater exploitation of the river Tay, improved leisure facilities, new schools to complement new housing and an additional Tay crossing also feature in ambitious plans for the years to come.
“There is a lot going on here in Perth at the moment and I sense a great deal of optimism around the city,” Mr Miller added.
“It is quite clear that the private sector is more optimistic than it has been for years and that people are looking to expand and do new things.
“The future for Perth looks bright.”