The local council may have outlined its determination to bulldoze Perth City Hall but The Courier can reveal that Historic Scotland’s requisite rubber stamp is not yet certain.
After years of controversy councillors unanimously backed multi-million-pound plans to knock down the B-listed Edwardian landmark in favour of an open civic square.
However, Historic Scotland has yet to be persuaded of the plan’s merits and hinted approval is far from a formality.
When contacted by The Courier a spokeswoman for the watchdog insisted the building was of huge importance, both in Perth and further afield.
She said, “Perth City Hall is a category B-listed building. It is of more than local significance.”
The spokeswoman said Historic Scotland would have to be convinced that the case for demolition was rock solid.
She said, “Now that Perth and Kinross Council has reached a view, they will need to consult formally with Historic Scotland.
“We will look very carefully at the justification for their planned proposal for demolition.”
Perth and Kinross Council leader Ian Miller insists the decision to demolish the city hall is right, claiming there is “no viable alternative.”
He said, “We have already been in touch with Historic Scotland to make them aware of our decision.
“They are now looking for more detail of what is proposed.”
If the hall is knocked down it should open up St John’s Kirk, which is widely regarded as having far higher architectural and historical importance than the city hall.
Mr Miller said, “I hope there will not be any problems and that their focus will be on what is the most historic building in Perth, namely St John’s Kirk.
“It is an A-listed building and that should be their priority.”
With a completion date of 2014 already mentioned, the council leader is urging Historic Scotland chiefs to reach a rapid decision.
He said, “We will be impressing on Historic Scotland the urgency of the situation and the need to make a decision at the very earliest opportunity.”