The days of Perth ’s multi-floored commercial buildings are past and using upper floors for flats is the way forward, reckons councillor Peter Barrett.
The Perth City Centre Lib Dem councillor was asked how he felt about the continued vacancy of Debenhams in Perth High Street.
Last week, a bright new cafe, Bob and Berts, opened nearby at street level and the new start only draws further attention to the emptiness that sits opposite.
The former Debenhams unit, which closed permanently last year, remains vacant.
Cllr Barrett feels “creativity” and “imagination” is required to ensure a large building of this type is put back into use for the benefit of the local community.
“Our approach to ensuring that the High Street and city centre are vibrant attractive places requires creativity, imagination and resource,” he explained to the Perthshire Advertiser.
“The Debenhams building is a case in point and, like the former McEwen's and Lakeland buildings, large multi-floor retail use is not a likely option.
“Mixed use, combining suitably sized ground floor commercial or retail units with residential accommodation on the upper floors has more potential.
“It will also bring more people into the city centre and therefore more customers.
“When you look at how the improvements to St Paul’s has kick-started improvements to the surrounding shops and investment in neighbouring commercial office space, you can see an example of what can be achieved.”
Cllr Barrett was pleased to see coffee and food chain Bob and Berts take on a High Street unit.
“I haven’t been in yet, but it is great to see Bob and Berts occupying a prominent position and important intersection of the High Street which I hope will help drive footfall in the city centre,” Cllr Barrett said.
“I wish Bob and Berts all the best in their new venture. However, if you lift your eyes upwards to the flats and businesses above, there are problems with the building: damp and spalling masonry.
“Vegetation is growing out of the mortar joints at top floor levels, there are also serious drainage issues in the secret gutter behind the balustrade.
“I am pressing the council to take an active lead on the repairs required and pursuing a Tenancy Management Scheme approach if that is what is required.”
A PKC spokesperson said: “We want to make Perth a great place for businesses, and investment such as the opening of Bob and Berts is a great vote of confidence in the city centre and the work being undertaken. The new museum at city hall will bring tens of thousands of visitors to the city, and our economic development staff continue to support new and existing business in Perth, whether they are looking for premises or already have a suitable base.”
