Cost of converting former school into culture hub rockets by more than £1m.

hike: Need to install new heating system has caused price of project to jump from about £3m to £4.4m

The cost of transforming a dilapidated Perth school into a much heralded arts hub has soared by more than £1 million.

Perth and Kinross Council is poised to begin work on the boarded-up St John’s Primary building on Stormont Street.

The plan is to turn the old school into a “creative exchange”, aimed at nurturing up-and-coming talent and new businesses.

Planning consent has already been secured to convert classrooms into 26 artists’ studios. There will also be 13 offices for fledgling businesses, a workshop area, cafe and “innovation lab” in the former gym hall.

But a new heating and electricity system has caused the price of the project to jump from around £3 millon to £4.4 million. A report says thefts and vandalism have also led to increased costs.

The extra £1 million needed is expected to come from Tay Cities Deal funding, to be announced this summer.

In the meantime, the shortfall will be met with money from the council’s capital budget. Next week the strategic policy and resources committee will be asked to offer the long-term lease of the building to WASPS (Workshop and Artists’ Studio Provision Scotland), the group that will manage the hub.

Part of the building will become the Famous Grouse Ideas Centre, as part of a £500,000 deal with whisky giant Edrington.

Project officer Finlay Kerr said: “It will regenerate a building that has been unused for over seven years.

“It has started to attract anti-social behaviour and has also been the victim of theft.

“Residents will see an improvement in their social, as well as physical environment when work begins.

“Creative people spend money locally, encourage audiences at exhibition and workshops, attract clients and visitors, animate redundant buildings and make areas feel safer with more regular footfall, not just during normal office hours.”

The creative hub was a key part of the council’s ultimately unsuccessful bid for the 2021 City of Culture title.

Creative people spend money locally, encourage audiences at exhibition and workshops, attract clients and visitors and animate redundant buildings. FINLAY KERR