The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Push for ‘wellbeing’ hub at Tulloch venue
Councillor campaigning for transformation of 120-year-old institute into modern facility
Council bosses are being urged to back calls for the regeneration of a landmark Perth building.
Talks are under way about a possible revamp of the 120-year-old Tulloch Institute.
Councillor Callum Gillies said he hopes to win support for his campaign to turn the building into a “one-stop hub” for locals.
He wants the institute to get a make-over similar to the £4 million transformation planned for Letham Recreation Centre, which caused a row this week.
Group members who use the Letham Hub have been broadly supportive of plans to turn the centre into a “wellbeing” hub, but they are worried about what could happened to long-standing clubs when the building closes for up to two years for refurbishment.
Mr Gillies is hoping that the Letham centre can remain partly open while the work gets under way, something the council has noted would be difficult and more costly, but not impossible.
Mr Gillies said: “I have had discussions with senior officers, to look at the possibility of developing the Tulloch Community Centre to give the residents of the area a modern, one-stop hub, similar to what is happening in Letham.
“A feasibility study would be needed to look at the possible options, after which a full consultation would take place with the residents of the Tulloch/Hillyland area to ascertain what they would like to see in the new hub.
“Funding methods would also need to be investigated,” he said.
The Labour Party councillor added: “I have asked our group leader to look at our budget and make provision within it for funding for a feasibility report in the first instance.”
The Tulloch Terrace building began life as a school in 1895, but only lasted for 16 years.
In 1911 it was converted into the Tulloch Institute to provide educational and sporting activities for employees of the Pullars of Perth cleaning business.
It is now a well-used social club with regular club meetings and live music.
Perth and Kinross Council launched a consultation exercise on its Letham plans on Tuesday.
An official photo-call was hijacked by demonstrators who were worried about their clubs’ futures.
Council officials have stressed that no decision has been taken and that alternative accommodation is being sought to keep clubs going.
The local authority has set aside nearly £3 million for the revamp and is bidding for a further £1 million from the Scottish Government.
I have had discussions with senior officers, to look at the possibility of developing the Tulloch Community Centre to give the residents of the area a modern, one-stop hub... CALLUM GILLIES