Locals are calling for action to be taken to regenerate the Bridgend area of Perth, which they feel has been allowed to “deteriorate”.
A controversial planning application for a six-floor family home, and the latest bombshell that a group of tenants living in East Bridge Street will have to evacuate their homes by Friday, have added to the feeling that the area needs a boost.
Joyce Henderson, of Edinburgh, told The Courier she has been visiting friends in Bridgend every other week and claims the area now feels like a second home to her.
She said she has a gym membership in Perth and feels there is a “strong sense of community” within the Bridgend area but claims it is “apparent” that the area is “crying out” for some form of regeneration.
“I think the local authority should be ashamed for allowing this ‘village’ to deteriorate,” she said. “When I heard that the building at the corner of West Bridge Street/Main Street was subject to a planning application, I was very interested to see what design the architect had drawn up. But when I saw the proposal I was totally shocked and dismayed to see ‘metal containers’ plonked on top of what could be a handsome building if it was sympathetically restored.
“Surely, the council’s planning department will chuck this application in the bin. Will the foundations be able to hold up such a massive extension?
“What I also can’t get to grips with is how will Bridgend be regenerated by the granting of this one application? If the scheme gets the go-ahead, then a precedent will have been set for other buildings to dominate the Bridgend skyline.”
Elena Costella, owner of Elena Costella Yarn and Fibre Studio in Main Street, also expressed her concerns.
Ms Costella said redeveloping the area is about giving the community back what it wants.
“I’m afraid the most important angle has been completely missed human beings,” she said. “Pound signs are waving in the air and there are some people who can’t miss an opportunity to make a fast buck. But if it does not help the residents and visitors, what is the point?
“It is easy to criticise but I think it is also necessary to come up with some suggestions. I can see a boutique hotel built on the corner of the planned house.
“The existing building (including the facade) is perfect for hotel rooms and a stunning new build down to the Tay at the back of the building would make it a truly desirable place to stay.
“It would regenerate the area, bringing a different clientele over and attract businesses to develop in the area.”
A spokesman for Perth and Kinross Council said the local authority has taken a “range of steps” in recent years to encourage the restoration and redevelopment of properties in the Bridgend area, as well as within the city.
“This includes promotion of Bridgend as a neighbourhood centre within the proposed development plan to encourage investment in retail, commercial and leisure uses and a revised conservation area.
“The responsibility for maintaining and improving properties lies primarily with their owners. The council continues to work with owners, developers and the community to support the improvement of this part of the city.”
The Perth Left Bank Community Development Trust, which has stated it backs the planned house in Bridgend, met last night to discuss matters relating to Bridgend.