The bulldozers have been called off but the future of Perth City Hall is no clearer than when its doors were finally locked in 2004.
After eight years, the hall is becoming a costly burden on the taxpayer but remains loved by many within the city and, clearly, further afield.
So, after Historic Scotland this week refused demolition, The Courier asks: what next for the B-listed, Edwardian landmark?
Perth and Kinross Council had wanted to raze the building as part of a £4 million project to create a civic square in front of St John’s Kirk and that will remain its preferred option.
But the government, through Historic Scotland, has told the council to remarket the building before contemplating demolition in the future, having criticised the local authority for ”rebuffing or actively ignoring speculative proposals” from local business people.
One of those is from Perth City Market Trust, headed by developer Vivian Linacre.
He insists his vision of an upscale indoor market hall has been blocked by the council but could be quickly completed if permission was granted.
Mr Linacre said: ”It has always been common ground between the council and objectors that, after eight wasted years, no further delay can be tolerated.”
A compromise position could be reached if the suggestion by a group of prominent locals called Perth City Centre Campaign is adopted. It would see a civic square created between the more architecturally interesting frontage of the city hall and the kirk but would depend on public finance to complete the project.
The remaining portion of the hall around one fifth of the current building would be used as a tourist or heritage centre.
Mr Linacre said: ”There was nothing in our plan which would have restricted the council in achieving what they wanted to do. I just wish the council had listened to us because we would have saved a lot of time.”
Another option is a return to the original concept of a shopping centre based around a large national retailer. Wharfside Developments tried and failed to create this and, until there is an economic upturn, it seems an unlikely hope.What do you think? Get in touch at perth@dcthomson.co.uk or comment below