Exhibition on options for Perth City Hall

Feb 19 2010 Perthshire Advertiser Friday

Sounding out citizens on City Hall

SHOPPERS have started flocking to an exhibition in the St John’s Centre outlining various options for Perth City Hall.

Perth and Kinross Council are keen to solicit the views of the public as the future of the long vacant building goes back into the melting pot.

The four-week consultation process is under way, with council staff on hand to answer questions and hand-out questionnaires at the Perth shopping centre through to next Wednesday, from 10am to 5pm.

The local authority is seeking feedback from community organisations, business representatives and residents of all ages.

Surveys are being distributed to city centre businesses and 1300 residents on PKC's Viewfinder panel are also receiving questionnaires.

An online survey is also available and it runs until March 15, with a consultation form available to complete on the council website at www.pkc.gov.uk/perthcityhall

With the Wharfside shopping centre project failing to materialise, five options for the future of the controversial building are being explored – with a decision expected later this year.

Options range from full demolition to mothballing the building until the economy picks-up.

The full list is:

1. To re-use City Hall for another purpose.

2. To completely demolish City Hall to create a large new public space.

3. To partially demolish the City Hall to create a new small public space and keep part of the building.

4. To completely demolish the City Hall and then create a new building on the site.

5. To do nothing, and leave the City Hall as it is until the economic climate improves.

Council leader Ian Miller said: “Input from the public and businesses is vital in deciding the future of Perth City Hall.

“Our commitment is to find the right solution for the building's future with the help of the people of Perth and Kinross and I would urge everybody to get involved and give us their views.”

Copies of the questionnaire are available by calling 01738 475000.