Regeneration of city ‘doesn’t rely on retail’

ONE of the leading figures tasked with the regeneration of Perth says t he answer doesn’t lie with traditional shops.

John Bullough, chairman of the Perth City Development Board, said he was forced to confront this “inconvenient and uncomfortable truth” as he helped draw up a 20-year plan for the city.

“Although i mportant within a city’s mix, retail is no longer a prime mover — I would argue it isn’t even secondary,” he said.

He called on people to throw their weight behind the City of Culture 2021 bid and believes establishing Perth as a cultural destination is key.

“Perth, like every town and city in the world, is being forced to reinvent itself as people change their shopping and leisure habits,” said Mr Bullough.

“Doing nothing simply isn’t an option and those administrations that look the other way risk losing critical mass on their high streets.

“We’ve all been through towns and villages left with nothing but betting and charity shops — a stark reminder of what happens to those not prepared to evolve.

“Twenty years ago, we all visited our city centres several times a week — the only place to go was the city centre.

“It’s easier for us to focus on single issues as the reason for our drop in footfall but I think in searching for a smoking gun, many of my friends and colleagues often miss the point.”

Mr Bullough said the reinvention of the city hall, the refurbishment of the museum, bringing the Stone of Destiny back to Perth, staging events like the Christmas festivities and the City of Culture bid are all parts of a cultural “catalyst” for economic regeneration.