The future landscape of a significant Perth site is taking shape, and local residents are being encouraged to play a vital role in its development. Following a devastating fire at the former Balhousie Primary School earlier this year, the community now has a crucial opportunity to contribute to the vision for new housing planned for the cleared grounds.
A public engagement event is scheduled to be held this Thursday, October 30, at Perth Grammar School, starting at 6pm. This meeting is designed to give the community a first look at the preliminary housing concepts and actively participate in shaping the proposals. It’s a key moment for locals to voice their opinions and ensure that future developments align with the needs and aspirations of the area. The Road to Redevelopment
The site has undergone considerable changes since a fierce blaze engulfed the disused Balhousie Primary School building just after midnight on Sunday, June 22. The fire caused extensive and irreparable damage, leading to the necessary decision to demolish the structure. Emergency services worked tirelessly at the scene, with local roads temporarily closed and some residents evacuated as a safety measure while crews brought the inferno under control.
Demolition efforts commenced in August, and much of the original school building has already been cleared, transforming the once familiar landmark into a blank canvas. Perth and Kinross Council has since submitted a retrospective planning application for the demolition, confirming that the damage left no alternative but to remove the fire-damaged remnants. Community Input is Key
The planning statement from Perth and Kinross Council explicitly acknowledged the “extensive and irreversible” nature of the damage, solidifying demolition as the sole viable path forward. With the site now being levelled, the focus has firmly shifted to its potential for housing, a development that promises to introduce new homes to the Perth area.
The upcoming public meeting at Perth Grammar School is structured to foster genuine dialogue. Attendees will first be presented with the proposed housing plans. Following this, smaller group workshop discussions will be facilitated, offering a more intimate setting for residents to delve into the details, share their concerns, and offer constructive feedback on the various aspects of the development. This collaborative approach underscores the council’s commitment to involving local voices in this important urban renewal project.
This is not the first time the community has engaged with the future of the Balhousie site. Prior discussions and consultations have taken place regarding the school’s demolition and eventual redevelopment, reflecting the ongoing local interest in this prominent location. The original Balhousie Primary School itself, an establishment with 110 years of history, had been closed in 2023 due to its deteriorating condition, even before the fire. At one point, the local authority had put forward proposals to convert the historic building into 26 homes, but these plans were naturally discarded in the wake of the devastating fire.
Regarding the fire investigation, Police Scotland previously confirmed the arrest of an 18-year-old man in connection with the incident. He was subsequently released, with inquiries ongoing into the cause and circumstances of the blaze that led to the school’s demise.
Perth and Kinross Council has also made a commitment to collaborate with local residents to ensure that any salvageable historical items or memories from the former school are preserved. This pledge aims to honour the school’s legacy and its place in the community’s collective memory, offering a sense of continuity as the site transitions into its next chapter.
A public engagement event is scheduled to be held this Thursday, October 30, at Perth Grammar School, starting at 6pm. This meeting is designed to give the community a first look at the preliminary housing concepts and actively participate in shaping the proposals. It’s a key moment for locals to voice their opinions and ensure that future developments align with the needs and aspirations of the area. The Road to Redevelopment
The site has undergone considerable changes since a fierce blaze engulfed the disused Balhousie Primary School building just after midnight on Sunday, June 22. The fire caused extensive and irreparable damage, leading to the necessary decision to demolish the structure. Emergency services worked tirelessly at the scene, with local roads temporarily closed and some residents evacuated as a safety measure while crews brought the inferno under control.
Demolition efforts commenced in August, and much of the original school building has already been cleared, transforming the once familiar landmark into a blank canvas. Perth and Kinross Council has since submitted a retrospective planning application for the demolition, confirming that the damage left no alternative but to remove the fire-damaged remnants. Community Input is Key
The planning statement from Perth and Kinross Council explicitly acknowledged the “extensive and irreversible” nature of the damage, solidifying demolition as the sole viable path forward. With the site now being levelled, the focus has firmly shifted to its potential for housing, a development that promises to introduce new homes to the Perth area.
The upcoming public meeting at Perth Grammar School is structured to foster genuine dialogue. Attendees will first be presented with the proposed housing plans. Following this, smaller group workshop discussions will be facilitated, offering a more intimate setting for residents to delve into the details, share their concerns, and offer constructive feedback on the various aspects of the development. This collaborative approach underscores the council’s commitment to involving local voices in this important urban renewal project.
This is not the first time the community has engaged with the future of the Balhousie site. Prior discussions and consultations have taken place regarding the school’s demolition and eventual redevelopment, reflecting the ongoing local interest in this prominent location. The original Balhousie Primary School itself, an establishment with 110 years of history, had been closed in 2023 due to its deteriorating condition, even before the fire. At one point, the local authority had put forward proposals to convert the historic building into 26 homes, but these plans were naturally discarded in the wake of the devastating fire.
Regarding the fire investigation, Police Scotland previously confirmed the arrest of an 18-year-old man in connection with the incident. He was subsequently released, with inquiries ongoing into the cause and circumstances of the blaze that led to the school’s demise.
Perth and Kinross Council has also made a commitment to collaborate with local residents to ensure that any salvageable historical items or memories from the former school are preserved. This pledge aims to honour the school’s legacy and its place in the community’s collective memory, offering a sense of continuity as the site transitions into its next chapter.