An £820k project to regenerate and improve Blairgowrie town centre is to be unveiled at Perth and Kinross Council's Enterprise and Infrastructure Committee on Wednesday.

The members of the Council will be told how the project will help attract more visitors to the town and boost local businesses.

The refurbishment work includes the redevelopment of Blairgowrie Riverside which will create a showpiece environmental attraction for the town.

The Riverside improvement project includes:

* Upgrading the Riverside car park

* Relocating and upgrading the play park

* Rejuvenation of planting beds

* Installation of new seating and picnic areas

-- Advertisement --

* Improvements to the viewing area at Cargill's Leap

* Introduction of new signage and interpretation materials

* Improved pedestrian access

* General landscaping enhancement including seasonal bulb planting. This will result in the creation of a Snowdrop Trail, establishing year-round appeal for the area.

The Riverside improvements will complement recent investments made to the town's path network and it will also link to the Cateran trail, making it a major tourism asset for the area.

Another aspect of the Blairgowrie improvement scheme will focus on Wellmeadow. The Wellmeadow is the venue for a number of community events throughout the year. Improvements will include the introduction of new planting, borders and containers, as well as the introduction of new seating.

New welcome and tourism signs will be situated on principal approach routes, junctions and gateways around Blairgowrie, while new floral beds will also be created at welcome signs on approaches to the town. Improvements are also proposed for the bus stance in the town to improve traffic flow and pedestrian safety, and to improve accessibility for buses.

The total cost of the overall project is estimated at just over £820k. External funding of £626k has been sourced from the Town Centre Regeneration Fund and Tactran.

(JP)