Mecanoo has been selected as the preferred architect to lead the redevelopment of Perth City Hall.

The council's selection panel will recommend appointing the Dutch practice at a meeting on Wednesday, 16 August.

The firm was picked out of five other architectural firms who were shortlisted following an international design competition.

The architects entries were assessed for;

• How well they met the needs of the brief to create a leading cultural attraction showcasing Ancient Roots, Modern Scots story

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• How visitor requirements had been considered

• How the requirements of important museum and art collections had been considered

• Affordability and making best use of public funds

• How the final design will relate to the wider public realm around City Hall

The project, which is expected to start construction in 2019, involves transforming Perth City Hall into a modern cultural attraction featuring museum and art collections alongside iconic loans from elsewhere and touring exhibitions from the UK and abroad.

The council has committed £20 million towards the project, with a further £10m being sought from the the Tay Cities Deal and other sources. A further £2.8m has been committed towards improvements in the area surrounding the building and routes to and from it, as part of an additional £14m to improve public spaces and lighting.

Overall, the development is scheduled to be completed in 2021.

(LM/MH)