Time running out for iconic Perth City Hall

PLANNERS are backing controversial proposals to raze one of Scotland’s most iconic Edwardian buildings.Perth and Kinross Council is expected to press ahead next week with the plan to demolish the City Hall in Perth to create a new civic square as part of a drive to regenerate the centre of the town.

The B-listed City Hall was originally built in 1908 as a leading concert venue but has lain derelict for the past six years.

Perth and Kinross Council voted in principle last June to demolish it to pave the way for a new square in the town which is vying to be named as one of Britain’s new cities.

Creating a public square will also open up views to St John’s Kirk where John Knox sparked the Scottish Reformation by preaching against the evils of idolatry in the ancient kirk.

Members of the council’s development control committee will meet next week to decide on the fate of the building, following the submission of a detailed design statement and a report by economic consultants.

Nick Brian, the council’s development quality manager, is recommending that the council proceeds with its demolition proposals. He claimed in a report to the council that the plans “could make a significant contribution towards the revitalisation of the city centre”.