Interest in setting up shop in Perth city centre is on the wane, it has been revealed.
Despite an abundance of prime units on the High Street, traditional retailers are showing no sign of bringing their business here.
In particular, there is very little demand for class 1 general retail use, forcing agents to look for alternative tenants.
As part of efforts to slow the decline of Perth’s fortunes and improve the vibrancy of the city, proposals for betting shops at two central locations are under consideration.
Bookmakers Ladbrokes and Betfred are both vying to take on units in the St John’s Shopping Centre and the High Street respectively the only interest that has been shown during years of marketing.
Applications received by Perth and Kinross Council’s planning department paint a very bleak picture of the city’s prospects without further development.
Planning consultants for Ladbrokes, RR Planning Ltd, revealed that their chosen venue has failed to attract a permanent tenant in six years.
Director Graham Whiteford outlined the struggle estate agents have faced in marketing the unit, which sits next to Timpsons.
He said: “For almost two years the premises have been marketed by Cushman and Wakefield with no serious interest from class 1 (retail) operators.
“They have confirmed that they have seen a further deterioration from Class 1 retailers in general and, specifically in Perth, there has been a contraction of the prime retailing pitch, meaning that the rear section of St John’s Shopping Centre has suffered with a number of vacant units and a distinct lack of demand from any new occupiers for space in this area,” he added.
Although the large unit, which is based at the South Street entrance of the shopping centre, has been used by temporary traders, Mr Whiteford said this could actually have a negative effect on the area.
“Use by temporary traders in itself can harm the vitality and viability due to the transient nature of the use and the fact that these traders are unwilling to invest in the property or their staff,” he continued.
“This should be compared to the fact that Ladbrokes are willing to invest heavily in the fabric of the property and ensure its long-term viable use.”
As well as revitalising a “significant portion of dead frontage”, it is also hoped that the betting shop will help attract more custom to the shopping centre.
According to the report submitted by RR Planning Ltd, it will represent a “valued leisure activity”.
Mr Whiteford added: “Typically, a modern betting office will attract high visitation rates, with far more customers than a shop of similar size. In addition, at least 70% of customers will have already or will go on to make other purchases in the locality, thereby creating spin-off trade.
“Betting shops employ maximum use of glazing and have ‘active frontages’ so are therefore bright and busy and represent a picture of activity in the street scene.”
It is a similar story on the High Street, where Betfred is hoping to take on the premises currently occupied by Millets.
Graham and Sibbald has been marketing the shop since October last year, but has failed to secure any interest from class 1 operators, leading to the change of use application by the betting firm.
Both applications are set to be determined by Perth and Kinross Council by the end of next month.