Petterson calls for church demolition
A well-known Perth businessman has backed the YMCA’s second bid to demolish a decaying Perth church so it can build a new youth centre plus 21 flats – declaring it is an “absolute must”that city planners approve the project.
Derek Petterson, the boss of Inveralmondbased builders Meldrum Construction as well as McLeod Glaziers, says the Perth and District branch’s bid to knock down the 130-year-old St Andrew’s and St Steven’s Parish Church in Atholl Street should get the go-ahead.
Mr Petterson, who also has interests in the Kirkside Bar in St John’s Place, Greyfriars Bar in South Street and the Forty Four bar in Atholl Street, says the C-listed building is a“massive eyesore”and must come down.
He said in a supporting
Derek Petterson statement lodged with Perth and Kinross Council: “The granting of planning permission for this project is an absolute must in that I and others have invested, and will continue to invest, in this area of the city but all the while this building sits as a massive eyesore on one of the busiest streets in Perth.”
Pointing to PKC’s plans to convert the former St John’s Primary School in nearby Stormont Street into a new“creative hub” he continued:“The Creative Exchange in the old school building will be breathing further life into this end of the city so now is the time to create this exciting new project which will house more people in our city centre who will work, eat and spend there all year round. I fully support this venture.”
Meanwhile, Historic Environment Scotland has maintained the proposed demolition will result in a “significant loss to Perth’s historic centre”but has said it will not object as it does not raise“historic environment issues of national significance”.
A supporting statement from the YMCA previously sent to planners said an economically viable solution for the repair and restoration of the building “is not forthcoming”and the likelihood another developer would do it is “considered highly unlikely”.
Three applications for the project now await a decision from PKC.