City Hall timeline of twists and turns

2005 - the City Hall shut down as Perth Concert Hall opened. 2006 - Plans are approved by Perth and Kinross Council to turn the City Hall into a mixed-use retail development. 2009 - The proposed retail development fails due to the economic crisis, which led to a lack of funding. 2010 - An independent economic assessment suggests demolishing the City Hall is the best option moving forward. In a survey 57 per cent of the public, 69 per cent of businesses and 58 per cent of market and event organisers agree that demolition is the best option. 2011 - Planning consent is given to create a civic square on the site of the City Hall. 2012 - Historic Scotland blocks plans to demolish the City Hall because of its listed building status. Bids are opened back up for another plan. 2013 - The council receives a bid but it is deemed to lack detail and funding by an independent assessment and is rejected. 2014 - Planning permission is approved to turn the City Hall into a hotel in May. The following month it is agreed to remarket the building for a further six months. 2015 - Five proposals are submitted, two are deemed to be compliant and Perth Market Place Ltd’s plans are selected as the best option. 2016 - Perth Market Place Ltd is found to not meet the pre-conditions and negotiations are suspended. The council then agrees to turn the City Hall into a cultural attraction. 2017 - Five shortlisted firms are selected to transform the City Hall into a visual arts attraction. Mecanoo comes out as the favourite and its has now been recommended to be chosen by councillors.