PKC revises city plan after just four years

in June 2015.

These priorities included constructing the Cross Tay Link Road (CTLR), creating “a high quality pedestrian Gold Route” from Perth Railway Station to the city centre, establishing an investment case for a new four/five star hotel in Perth and developing a promenade along the River Tay.

But with much of the schemes outlined in the document depending on the CTLR being finished and that project stalling last week, the council has now chosen to pay Yellow Book a further £12,950 to “revise” the plan “to reflect the board’s future priorities” and “align with ... proposed development timescales”.

Asked to comment on the timing of the contract award, a council spokesperson sought to draw attention to what has been achieved since the document was approved less than four years ago.

They said: “Significant progress has already been made in delivering on projects within The Perth City Plan – most notably improvements to Mill Street and Perth Theatre; transport infrastructure development; events and cultural activity; inward investment promotion, and skills and employment support.

“Other major projects highlighted in the plan - for example, the Creative Exchange and Perth City Hall - are now in development or already in progress on site.

“The Perth City Plan has also provided a valuable framework for informing and developing additional support for these and other projects through the Tay Cities Deal to support growth of the broader regional economy within Perth and Kinross.

“We fund such work as part of support for developing Perth and its economy through our planning and development revenue budget.

“Support for economic development activity continues to be a high priority for the council, to help create jobs, encourage business and sector growth, and increase wage levels and productivity.

“Yellow Book has been employed by the council, on behalf of the Perth City Development Board, to review the Perth City Plan and the board’s governance arrangements. The company previously undertook similar work on the board’s behalf, in relation to preparation of the previous version of the plan and private sector support and input to that.

“Their employment has been on the basis of extensive economic development experience and advice to public-private partnerships and their knowledge of local, national and international economics and policy and development frameworks.”