Plans for city hall project to be discussed at open meeting

Perth Civic Trust is providing the public and local businesses with an opportunity to learn more about the vision for Perth City Hall.

Charles Kinnoull, chairman of Culture Perth and Kinross, has agreed to discuss plans for a new arts venue within the listed building at 7.30pm on Tuesday May 16 following the heritage watchdog’s annual meeting at 7pm in the Soutar Theatre at the AK Bell Library.

David MacLehose, chairman, explained: “It’s fair to say local residents and businesses have been frustrated by the saga of the city hall and what should be done with it.

“It has stirred debate regularly at past annual meetings. The thorny issue has been dragging on since 2000 when the decision was made to construct Perth Concert Hall.

“I suspect a lot of people were backing demolition not because they particularly wanted to see the city hall go but because at least that would signal a resolution to the whole affair.

“In 2005 when I was last chairman we had presentations from the three developers of their plans for the city hall, which ultimately came to nought. We virtually filled the auditorium given there was so much local interest.

“It is still a major talking point and now we have had a potentially watershed decision to retain the city hall and invite design proposals with a budget of around £20 million being mooted.

“I’m sure members – and anyone else interested in learning more about the project – will be intrigued by what Charles Kinnoull has to say. This is a chance to learn what is planned as a key attraction tied into the 2021 City of Culture bid.”