More than £3.5 million will be invested in a major redevelopment of one of Perth’s main retail hubs.
A number of empty units in St John’s Shopping Centre will be transformed into high fashion hotspots.
As well as bringing shoppers back to the Fair City, the proposals by Universities Superannuation Scheme (USS) will also generate up to 40 jobs.
Work has already commenced on extending two of the centre’s larger units, which will create additional space on the first and second floors.
A new tenant has also been secured, with fashion retailer H&M to launch a major store in the autumn. River Island will also boast expanded premises, which will open this summer.
In preparation for this move and to allow it to keep trading, the store has temporarily taken on some empty units in the centre.
Perth and Kinross Council leader Ian Miller said: “This is absolutely fantastic news for Perth and testament to the ongoing work of the council to make Perth a vibrant city and an attractive shopping destination.
“Working jointly with USS, we have been able to secure major high street names, which will add variety to our retail offering and attract a wider range of shoppers.
“This, in turn, will benefit all of our city centre businesses and encourage further investment.”
The redevelopment comes after an extensive review was carried out on the shopping centre last year.
This identified a number of weaknesses, including small floorplates and a distinct lack of “strong anchor tenants”, which it is hoped the modified units will address.
In the longer term, USS plans to further extend the building, as well as undertake remodelling to make it more attractive to shoppers and retailers.
The economic climate has had a devastating impact on the city’s reputation as a top shopping destination.
The High Street has lost a number of big names in the last 12 months, including HMV, Jessops, Early Learning Centre and Laura Ashley, and ambitious plans to reinvigorate the flagging retail heart have so far come to nothing.
Where they have failed, the owners of the shopping centre hope to succeed, bringing the “dated” building up to standard in a bid to encourage an influx of new and exciting retailers, like H&M and the renewed support from River Island.
It is hoped that such a move will see visitors flock to Perth from across the country to take advantage of the city’s setting, shops and cafes and restaurants.
Mr Miller added: “The decision by these high-profile retailers to locate in Perth shows a renewed confidence in what we have to offer, following the award of city status.
“This is just the beginning of a programme of restoration and modernisation supported by the council, which will make Perth one of the top shopping destinations in Scotland.”
Following this first phase to revitalise St John’s Shopping Centre, further cash is to be spent on an ambitious regeneration project, ensuring it remains attractive to big-name operators looking to set up shop in Scotland’s newest city.