Politicians have their say on Halls

Jan 13 2009 by Johnathon Menzies, Perthshire Advertiser Tuesday

IN FRIDAY’S PA we revealed that readers were narrowly in favour of demolishing Perth City Halls to make way for a City Square.

In our online poll (www.perthshireadvertiser.co.uk) 53.4% were in favour of demolition, while 46.6% voted to preserve the landmark building.

In today’s PA, reporter Johnathon Menzies polls Perth City councillors for their views on this controversial issue. Council Leader Ian Miller, plus Councillors Alexander and Heather Stewart all declined to comment at this stage, but the following were happy to go on the record...

Councilor Archie MacLellan (Labour)

“In an ideal world I would like to see Perth City Hall pulled down.

“That would allow a square to be created in the city centre with cafes on either side, which could be used for farmers’ markets, open air concerts, and other exhibitions.

“A square would also allow St John’s church to be opened up and developed, both as a place of worship and otherwise. It would become a focal point.

“I would have to add though, that, with the current economic crisis, our priorities would have to lie elsewhere at the moment and this idea would just be a pipe dream.”

Councillor John Flynn (Labour)

“I’m unhappy that we are at an impasse with it and it’s high time a decision was made because people are entitled to know what’s happening.

“The time has come for the facts to be known.”

Councillor Lorraine Caddell (Lib-Dem)

“Personally, I have no affection for the building whatsoever, but I know people who have been born and brought up in Perth may do.

“If the current plans with Wharfside should fail to materialise then I would prefer to see the area turned into a piazza for concerts and markets.

“But we have to remember that there is a bid on the table at the moment.”

Councillor Robert Band (SNP)

“Perth needs a central focus. We already have very successful markets in the city centre and an open square would enhance these further.

“It would also free-up space on King Edward Street and the High Street, where the markets are currently.

“At the start of this debate, Historic Scotland said they wouldn’t allow the City Hall to be pulled down if there was a viable commercial alternative.

“I think the current situation shows that there isn’t one.”

Perth Provost, Councillor John Hulbert (SNP)

“The council advertised the City Hall for lease following the opening of the Concert Hall.

“Wharfside were chosen as the preferred option and, as a contract was entered into, we are bound by it.

“Even supposing Wharfside walk away from their contract, it wouldn’t be possible for us to say ‘let’s just knock it down and get on with it’, because we have a legal agreement to consider.

“Because it’s a listed building we have to advertise it first, then, if there are no takers, something like demolition could be an option.

“But the last time we advertised it for lease there were several offers, as well as the offer from Wharfside.”

Councillor Dave Scott (SNP)

“I have a severe problem with the City Hall. I think most people in the business world would want it taken down, but we have already asked local people and the majority of them said they wanted to keep it, and you can’t just go back on that.

“I think we should let the current situation run-on a little bit longer, see what happens, and then take it from there.”

Councillor, and Provost Depute, Willie Wilson (Lib-Dem)

“When the issue was first raised years ago, I would have been in favour of demolition.

“But, after it was put to the public and a retail facility was seen to be the preferred option, I accepted the will of the people.

“We must exhaust all the available options before knocking it down is even considered.”

Councillor Callum Gillies (Labour)

“Personally, I would do away with it. I would hate to see the building lying there derelict for a number of years.

“It’s time to bite the bullet and make a decision, one way or another.”

Councillor Peter Barrett (Lib-Dem)

“Councillors and local opinion formers have a duty not to jeopardise the potential for significant economic development at the heart of our city.

“It’s all very well for people to say ‘knock it down and build a square’, but the council simply hasn’t got a spare pot of gold to do that.

“I’d find it hard to put a higher priority on demolishing the city hall over building desperately needed affordable homes or investing in our school buildings that urgently need it.

“Century Square has a ring to it, but it could either be perceived as a great forward-thinking vision to enhance our city centre and create a tourist attraction, or as the biggest waste of money, a vanity project embarked upon at the edge of an economic precipice.”

Councillor Elspeth Maclachlan (SNP)

“As someone born and brought up in Perth, the City Hall issue is one I have been keeping my eye on.

“I am aware of both sides of the argument and have been paying attention to reports of public opinion in the PA.

“Opinion is very much divided and the last time that there was a real threat to the hall it came out firmly on the side of retaining the City Hall.

“But the question is simply speculation at the moment as I am unaware that the development will not still take place as planned.

“The City Hall issue is of such importance that, if any changes had to be made to the current plans, it would not simply go to a committee, it would once again have to be brought before the full council.”

Councillor Jack Coburn (SNP)

“If the current plans for the building fall through then I would be one of the people who would like to see a square created in the centre of the city.

“But, I would also like to see the front part of the building retained and used as either a tourist attraction or as the location for our tourist information centre.

“It would be ideal because it would draw all of the tourists into the centre of the town.

“I must stress though that this would only happen once all the other options for using the building have been considered. I still have confidence in the original project.”