Businesses call for action to revitalise city centre amid closures

AFTER a swathe of business closures in Perth, shops are calling for change to boost the city centre.

Last weekend alone there were four closures – cafes Mhor Coffee House and 269 Vegan, Spanish restaurant Bistua and vintage shop Underneath the Arches.

Mhor co-founder Tricia Fox says Perth and Kinross Council should bring staff back into offices.

Ms Fox believes a lack of people in the city centre is harming local businesses.

“We need action from people who can make a difference,” she says.

“Here’s an easy one, Perth and Kinross Council should get their staff back to work – that would help the city centre.

“Stop having the farmers’ market out of town – that would help the city centre.

“Anything that takes people out of the city centre is bad. There are solutions, but it requires action.”

Perth and Kinross Council said it has around 6,000 employees of which 1,800 are office based. It has hybrid working policies in place.

“We appreciate trading conditions have been difficult for many businesses across the country,” a spokesperson said. “A shift in shopping habits is making it harder for many retailers, which is why we are we committed to re-energising all of our town centres.”

Work is under way to create a £26.5 million museum at City Hall to house the Stone of Destiny.

“This has the potential to bring thousands of tourists and £2.5m into the local economy,” the spokesperson said.

“Our ambition is to create a vibrant, sustainable city centre for businesses, residents and visitors.

“The new museum will give Perth an international platform and complement the many cultural attractions the city already boasts.

“The return of the Mod to Perth this year will also bring people into the city centre, generating an estimated £1m boost to the economy.”

Mhor co-founder Tricia Fox fears for city centre.