Contractors for Mill Street works chosen

Perth: Six firms selected by council as part of £1.2m project to develop ‘Cultural Quarter’

A deal has been struck to begin the first phase of a £1.2 million regeneration project in Perth city centre.

Perth and Kinross Council has selected six contractors to carry out improvements on Mill Street in the coming year, with plans to make the road and pavement a “shared space”.

The names of the contractors have not been released.

The local authority has also moved to assure shoppers that the street will be open for the Christmas period.

The works are part of the development of the ‘Cultural Quarter’. The local authority wants to overhaul the corridor, between Perth Concert Hall and Pullar House to make it more attractive to visitors and businesses.

The aim is to enhance the area to complement recent additions including a new Premier Inn and restaurant, as well as the anticipated relaunch of Perth Theatre.

A spokeswoman for Perth and Kinross Council said: “The scheme represents the first phase of public realm improvements in the Perth City Plan, which outlines the vision to make Perth one of Europe’s great small cities.

“The council has released the information to six contractors who were selected during the first phase of the tender process.

“The works programme for the contract is between late July 2016 and February 2017. The road and pavements will be open during December 2016 to assist businesses and shoppers in the busy festive period.”

She added: “The works are intended to complement other investment in the immediate area, including the forthcoming transformation of Perth Theatre as part of developing a Cultural Quarter in the city, and improve the environment for residents, shoppers and visitors alike; enhance prospects for commercial investment and development; increase accessibility for pedestrians; and provide additional space for events, markets and outdoor eating and drinking.

“The vennels that currently link Mill Street with Perth High Street are also to be included in the improvements. The scheme will additionally unlock land for potential small to medium- size developments.

“Planned works will also significantly improve the setting of Perth Concert Hall, Perth Museum and Art Gallery and the redeveloped Theatre as part of Perth’s Cultural Quarter, enhancing the environment in terms of aesthetics and safety, while promoting the historic context of Mill Street and its links to the High Street.”

The works programme for the contract is between late July 2016 and February 2017. The road and pavements will be open during December ... in the busy festive period. PERTH AND KINROSS COUNCIL SPOKESWOMAN

An artist’s impression of how the entrance to Perth Theatre on Mill Street would look.