Action being taken to transform derelict buildings across Perth and Kinross will fall under the national spotlight next week.
Delegates from across the country will descend on Perth Concert Hall for the sell-out Scotland’s Towns Conference next Wednesday (November 27).
The theme for the event, organised by Scotland’s Towns Partnership (STP) in partnership with Perth and Kinross Council, will be Investing in Our Assets for Sustainable Towns of the Future.
It will highlight how empty – and often eyesore – buildings can be transformed with examples from across the region showcasing what can be achieved.
The conference is being held not only months after Perth Museum opened to the public following the completion of a £27 million transformation from the former City Hall, but as the council’s Vacant and Eyesore Property Taskforce progresses a series of major projects.
Working with property owners and businesses to help secure funds to transform buildings, the taskforce’s current work includes supporting:
- The creation of new flats on the upper floors of two buildings on South Street in Perth – one which had sat empty for 20 years, the other which was last occupied 40 years ago.
- The transformation of the former Y Centre, on Atholl Street and North William Street, Perth, into a social hub for young people as well as seven flats providing affordable housing and emergency accommodation for young people exiting care.
- The overhaul of the former Millhaugh Sawmill in Alyth – which had sat derelict for almost 40 years – into a new community space.
- The conversion of a property on West Bridge Street in Perth which had been vacant for more than 20 years into an office at street-level and one-bed flat in its two lower floors.
- Developing plans to improve McIntyres Corner in Perth – a scheme which could cost almost £1.5m.
Councillor Grant Laing, Leader of Perth and Kinross Council, will be among the speakers at Scotland’s Towns Conference.
He said: “Our Vacant and Eyesore Property Taskforce has been developed to work in partnership with property owners/businesses to help them access funding to refurbish and bring properties back into use.
“Empty and disrepaired properties do not present an area in its best light and can limit further investment. They also disrupt the sense of community and vibrancy of an area. These buildings often lead to other problems such as anti-social behaviour, vermin, fly-tipping and fire-raising.
“Encouraging the re-use of empty properties or the repair of buildings suffering from neglect brings in more footfall for local businesses and adds to the vitality, amenity and civic pride of the area. All of this brings significant benefits to our local centres, including improved economic performance.
“This type of work is something the Council has prioritised, and you can see the success we had with St Pauls Church and the former Perth City Hall, now Perth Museum.
“I look forward to welcoming Scotland’s Towns Partnership and its guests to Perth, where we can pass on everything we have learned to delegates from other areas.”
Scotland’s Towns Conference is STP’s flagship gathering of stakeholders from across the various sectors and organisations involved in supporting the nation’s towns and places.
Tom Arthur MSP, Scotland’s Minister for Employment and Investment, will be among the others taking part.
STP Chief Officer Kimberley Guthrie said: “Perth and Kinross Council are really demonstrating the art of the possible, not just in their vision to use every asset in communities by bringing vacant and derelict buildings back to life, but in showcasing the kind of collaboration that’s needed to make all of this possible.
“Having places for people to live, as well as work and visit is going to be vital for the future of Scotland’s places. I am sure visitors to Perth next week will leave with plenty of ideas to take back to their own communities.”
Scotland’s Towns Partnership is the voice of the country’s towns, championing their place at the heart of the nation and advocating their pivotal role in a stronger and more sustainable future. It is the parent organisation of Scotland’s Improvement Districts and spearheads the Scotland Loves Local initiative as a means to boost local economies and improve places by galvanising support for the people and businesses in them.
For more details, go to https://scotlandstowns.org/scotlands-towns-conference-2024/
