Decision time for City Hall scheme
Contractors appointed - design is next
Major plans to revive Perth City Hall and place it at the centre of the UK City of Culture bid for 2021 have taken a big step forward. It was announced yesterday that BAM Construction has been appointed to redevelop the Edwardian building on behalf of Perth and Kinross Council.
The same firm is also working on the proposed redevelopment of Perth Museum and Art Gallery.
Tied together, the transformed venues are expected to tempt in thousands more visitors to the city – regardless of whether or not culture chiefs are successful in bringing the Stone of Destiny to Perthshire.
The re-imagined city hall building, which has been closed for more than a decade, will create a new 1500m² flexible exhibition hall that
can accommodate displays of differing content and scale. It will not only be a home to permanent collections of local archaeology and social history, but will also be able to host touring exhibitions.
The wider plans include a learning suite, collections handling area and commercial visitor facilities including a café and retail area.
Bruce Dickson, a regional director with BAM Construction, said: “Having already been appointed on the refurbishment of Perth Museum and Art Gallery, we are absolutely delighted to be given the opportunity to work with hub East Central Scotland and Perth and Kinross Council on the City Hall.”
Five architects have been short-listed for the project following an RIAS led design competition and include Austin-Smith: Lord, Hoskins Architects, LDN, Mecanoo and Richard Murphy Architects. Their proposals are set to go on display at PKC’s headquarters this month.
PKC depute chief executive, Jim Valentine said: “We’re delighted to be working with BAM on this prestigious project. Having an experienced and knowledgeable contractor on board will help the transformation of Perth City Hall run smoothly over the coming years.
“This is an exciting stage in the project as we look to finalise the architectural firm which will develop the final designs.”
Gary Bushnell, chief executive at hub East Central Scotland, the procurement partner, said: “We are working with BAM and look forward to managing the project to successful completion, creating a unique new home for the museum and gallery.”
Doubts had recently been expressed over the funding for the projects but PKC has confirmed that it has set aside £20m, with a further £10m needed for redevelopment.