Call to heed public’s views on City Hall designs.

MSP says public can play key role in council’s decision on landmark’s future

Council officials have been urged to give the public a full and genuine say in which of the five dramatic proposals will shape the future of Perth City Hall.

The designs that could hold the success of the city in their hands have now gone on public display, with visitors invited to share their opinions of what they see.

While residents are welcome to select their favourite, the final decision will fall to councillors in October, with elected members guided towards a verdict by a panel of experts.

They will look not only at the aesthetics of the designs but also whether they are achievable within the desired budget and timescale.

Nonetheless, Murdo Fraser MSP has called on Perth and Kinross Council to do more than pay lip service to the people of Perth. The politician believes the public role must be a genuine one, with city leaders listening to the views and wishes of residents.

He said: “The future of Perth City Hall has divided people from across the city and now with a definitive plan in place for its future, residents will have a final chance to have their say.

“The design concepts for the new cultural hub combine old and new and there is a real divergence in the artists’ interpretation of what it could look like.

“Public opinion on the future design will be considered before a final decision is made and I would encourage people to contribute their opinions.

“As Perth bids for the UK City of Culture 2021 title, the transformation of city hall could be the centrepiece that wins it for the Fair City.

“It is therefore vital that we select a design that properly represents everything that is great about the city and the public must get involved in this.”

The £20 million project aims to turn the empty hall into a major cultural attraction capable of attracting visitors from around the world.

Views on the proposals for Perth City Hall can be shared by filling in an online survey, emailing Perth2021, writing to the city hall exhibition or submitting a comment form at 2 High Street.

The designs will be available to view within the Civic Hall at the council’s headquarters at 2 High Street for the next two weeks.

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