Plan ‘great way to get former church back into use’

A PERTH church that has lain empty for more than 30 years could be transformed into a public space.

Under new proposals, the council will purchase St Paul’s Church at the top of High Street and spend £2 million developing the building.

The roof of the church and windows would be removed, but the spire retained. The Category B listed building is on the buildings-at-risk register and the continued failure of plans to come to fruition prompted the council’s bid to buy the building.

An offer, thought to be less than £50,000, has been accepted by the current owner. Council leader Ian Miller said he was excited a viable idea, which has the backing of Historic Environment Scotland, is now on the table.

He said: “St Paul’s Church has long been an unsightly feature of Perth’s High Street. Unfortunately it is clear nobody else is coming up with a viable idea for its future. That’s why it is so important we consider a more ‘out of the box’ approach to St Paul’s.”

John Bullough, chairman of Perth City Development Board, said: “It is identified as one of the buildings which need to be addressed to deliver on our vision for Perth as one of Europe’s great small cities, and this will be a great way to bring it back into use in an economically sustainable way.”

Councillor Miller said: “This innovative solution to St Paul’s Church will create a unique outdoor space for day-to-day use, as well as a potential venue for music, drama and arts events. It is a sustainable solution, with minimal ongoing costs, that will add to our portfolio of performance venues, which can attract visitors into the region for the benefit of all.”