Perth and Kinross Council has said a proposed bid to redevelop Perth City Hall and ultimately save it from demolition, has been rejected.

The Council had wanted to raze the building, despite its category B-listed status, but the move was blocked by Historic Scotland in May 2012. At the time, they urged the local authority to look at other options.

As a result, the building was re-marketed and bids were invited for the site. Initial bids were made a year ago, and the process went to a second stage in October. Here, just one bid, from Perth City Market Trust (PCMT), was received and was put forward for an assessment by independent commercial property experts, Jones Land Lasalle.

In a statement by the Council, it has said the subsequent report finds that the bid has not met the eligibility criteria.

-- Advertisement --

Nina Stobie, Associate Director of Jones Lang LaSalle commented: "Jones Lang LaSalle was instructed by PKC to establish whether there is a commercial organisation who could produce a credible and financially deliverable business case to undertake a redevelopment of the Perth City Hall.

"Based on the information submitted by PCMT, we find some merit in the proposed use and design. However the deliverability of their concept with regard to the proposed commercial terms, business case and funding arrangements are, in our opinion, lacking in detail and raise significant concerns regarding the ability of PCMT to deliver the project.

"Through our robust assessment process, PCMT have not provided us with sufficient information or evidence to substantiate their claim that they could successfully redevelop the City Hall as described in their proposal.

"As a result of these concerns, Jones Lang LaSalle is unable to support PCMT's proposal to redevelop Perth City Hall on the basis of a 125 year lease, and has been unable to identify a deliverable, alternative use for this property."

Now, officials are recommending once more that the listed building be demolished.

The recommendation will be put before the full council at a meeting on 11 December.

(JP/CD)