Queen honours Colleen UP TO 700 JOBS IN PIPELINE FOR CITY
Council asked to greenlight plans
Aberfeldy swimmer Colleen Blair was among those from Perth and Kinross recognised in the New Year Honours List this week.
The Aberfeldy resident was awarded a MBE for services to swimming.
She told the PA:“I am thrilled but it is taking time to sink in.
It’s a real honour and a bit of a surprise.
“Swimming is what I do, that’s why I’m struggling to get my head around it.”
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Perth is set for an economic boost early in 2021 with two multimillion pound projects moving forward that could bring nearly 700 jobs to the region.
On January 13, councillors will be asked to greenlight plans for a major business development at Inveralmond Industrial Estate which could support around 443 jobs once it is up and running.
They will also be urged to approve a pre-planning application for a £10 million expansion of Murrayshall Country House, potentially creating 250 jobs.
The Inveralmond plan was submitted by
Perth-based I and H Brown and Rossco Properties over a year ago and outlines the assembly of more than 50 new units at the site.
The major project will see 15 hectares of agricultural land south of Target House on Ruthvenfield Road transformed into more than 30,000 square feet of workspace for renting businesses.
Almost 60 new business units could be built across 22 plots and are expected to include business, general industrial, storage and distribution units.
The two enterprises who lodged the application are owned by butcher magnate Simon Howie, and Rossco already has a property portfolio worth more than £50m - including units at the industrial estate.
A number of big name businesses already occupy units at the estate, including Perth-based Stagecoach, renowned Scottish brewers Innis and Gunn and Wyllie Recycling.
According to the report, the project has the potential to be a major economic boost for the area.
The report states that an economic viability assessment had been submitted.
It added: “This has been reviewed by the council’s economic development team who agree that developing 15ha of employment land will support economic development by providing immediately available employment land. They also note that there are likely to be more commercial properties on the market due to impact of COVID-19, but some are likely to need further investment and that not all current stock is fit for purpose, especially in terms of energy efficiency standards.”
The latter pre-application for Murrayshall Country
House would see the 40-bedroom venue double in size and open a hub for outdoor pursuits. The 365-acre estate already houses two 18-hole golf courses, leisure facilities, lodges and glamping pods.
Murrayshall general manager Gary Silcock said: “We know the industry has struggled and sadly there are hotels which have had to reduce. When you look at everything we are trying to achieve here, we would be looking at bringing in between 200 and 250 staff.
“In this world of COVID, it’s great that we have an owner that can see the positives and takes forward a plan which could really help reignite Perth and this part of Perthshire.”
Councillors on Perth and Kinross Council’s planning and development management committee will have the opportunity to speak to council officers on Wednesday, January 13, about any issues with both applications.