Former school to become £3.5m arts hub.

Empty site to be transformed into a ‘creative exchange’

Multi-million-pound plans to turn a dilapidated Perth school into an arts hub have been approved.

Council bosses are breathing new life into the boarded-up St John’s Primary building in an effort to nurture up-andcoming talent.

Under the £3.5 million scheme, the Stormont Street school, which has stood empty for seven years, will become a “creative exchange” providing working spaces and studios for local artists. There are also plans for a café.

It is hoped the project will go some way to addressing a “brain drain” in the region’s creative sector – a problem which was raised during the recent City of Culture campaign.

The bid has now been approved by planning chiefs, despite some concern about the design of the revamped building.

The proposal was criticised by the chairman of the Perth Contemporary Arts Trust, one of the organisations which has been guiding the project.

In a strongly worded letter to planners, Hugh MacRae said the overall design was uninspiring.

However, the plan was approved under delegated powers – meaning it did not need to go before councillors – after receiving no objections.

Lifelong learning convener Caroline Shiers described the project as a “very exciting opportunity”.

She said: “This facility is aimed at start-up businesses and incubation support for local talent of all ages and will, I am sure, provide much needed shared workspace and somewhere individuals can work together to support their creative ideas and help people develop their business ideas.”

She added: “As education convener, I am optimistic that for young people in Perth and Kinross this has potential to give a focus for individuals who want to pursue a career in the creative industries and help them to develop their talents.”

In his report, planning officer John Williamson said the site is zoned for housing but attempts to market the land have been unsuccessful.

“There is likely to be economic benefit associated with this proposal which brings a currently unused building back into active use,” he said.

This facility is aimed at start-up businesses and incubation support for local talent of all ages. LIFELONG LEARNING CONVENER CAROLINE SHIERS

Picture: Steve MacDougall. The former St John’s Primary and Nursery School on Stormont Street, Perth, is to become a new community arts centre.