CITY HALL COULD BE KEY TO CULTURE
Hundreds air views on shortlisted designs
Multi-million pound plans which are key to Perth’s cultural ambitions have generated hundreds of opinions from the public. The proposals to transform the vacant Perth City Hall into a visual arts Cllr Ian Campbell attraction have been on show for more than a week, with members of the public having until tomorrow (Saturday) to get in touch.
And the PA can reveal that more than 500 people have responded to the varied design concepts which have been put together by some of Europe’s biggest names in architecture and design.
Council Leader Ian Campbell told the PA: “I am delighted that so many people in Perth have taken the time and trouble to come and look at our exhibition to view some great designs for the City Hall.
“I am sure everyone will agree that the standard of design is high and that the eventual winner will be worthy of the city of Perth.”
The concepts were launched for
public feedback on Monday, June 12, with an exhibition within the civic lounge at Perth and Kinross Council’s 2 High Street offices.
PKC bosses say that around 100 people a day have called in to view the display.
The shortlisted designers hoping to undertake the project are Austin Smith Lord, Hoskins Architects, LDN, Mecanoo and Richard Murphy Architects. Each concept is closely linked to theme of creating flexible display spaces.
The drawings were also posted online as well as at Kirkside on the rear of the City Hall. Responses from the public have also been welcomed by post.
Council officials are to collate responses over the coming weeks, and councillors could be called in for a special meeting in August to progress the redevelopment of the Edwardian King Edward Street building.
Around £20million is being pumped in to the City Hall project, part of £30million spend on culture attractions including Perth Museum and Art Gallery and a new arts and archive store.
There is also work going on behind the scenes to attract the iconic Stone of Destiny for either a temporary or permanent display in Perth.
If approved, the historic piece has been tentatively earmarked for either the George Street museum or the revamped city hall.
PKC head of culture, Fiona Robertson, who is also leading the city’s bid for the UK city of culture title, previously said the council is investing £500million over the next decade in culture, regardless of whether the city wins the prestigious culture title.
But she said that the transformation works might not be completed in time for 2021 although that may not stand against Perth’s chances, with UK culture chiefs said to be seeking a cultural transformation which lasts beyond the host year.
A £3m cash pot for ongoing culture investment is being offered as part of the prize for the next host city or area.
Local authority leaders say the shortlisted cities and areas are due to find out in mid-July whether or not they have passed the first stage of consideration.
Perth is also hoping for a double culture filip as the city has ambitions to host the Mod that year.
•The PA is backing Perth’s city of culture bid with a special competition.
Check out our Tuesday editions to find out more.