Persistent vacancies within Perth’s central shopping district have drawn attention to two specific properties owned by Perth and Kinross Council on the historic Old High Street. These units, located at numbers 276 and 282, have stood empty for an extended period, contributing to concerns about the area’s commercial health.
Number 276, formerly occupied by High Street Local, has been vacant since around April 2017, marking it as the longest-unoccupied retail space on the entire High Street. Just a short distance away, number 282, previously home to the Perth and Kinross Credit Union until June 2019, holds the distinction of being the fourth longest-term empty unit in the Fair City’s main thoroughfare. A recent assessment revealed 21 vacant retail premises across the High Street, with over a quarter of these (28.6%) being under local ownership, underscoring a collective interest in finding solutions.
According to a council spokesperson, the current condition of the properties at 276 and 282 High Street is such that they are deemed “not currently in a lettable condition.” Evaluations suggest that the significant investment required to bring these units up to commercial rental standards far outweighs any potential income from leasing them as retail spaces. While some minor cosmetic enhancements have been undertaken to improve the street’s overall appearance, a more impactful, long-term strategy is now being pursued.
The Old High Street section, specifically from St Paul’s Cathedral onwards, appears to be disproportionately affected by these prolonged vacancies. The recent closure of Fun Junction further highlights the struggles in this part of town. Statistical data indicates that more than 25% of the 31 properties on Old High Street are currently unoccupied, a notable difference compared to the 15% vacancy rate observed across the remaining 84 units on other stretches of Perth’s High Street. These two council-owned units are designated under the Housing Revenue Account, meaning their utilisation must directly benefit council tenants. A Comprehensive Regeneration Approach
In a strategic shift from standalone refurbishment, the local authority is integrating the future of these empty shops into a much larger urban regeneration project. The units at 276 and 282 High Street are now being considered as integral components of a comprehensive overhaul planned for the adjacent St Catherine’s Square housing blocks. This ambitious initiative aims to tackle both urban decay and long-standing social challenges within the area.
The revitalisation of St Catherine’s Square has been a key priority for Perth and Kinross Council, initially highlighted in its Rapid Rehousing Transition Plan (RRTP) spanning 2019-2024. The plan aimed to address the unfortunate “stigmatisation” of the residential blocks due to “anti-social behaviour, alcohol and substance abuse and police attendance.” The long-term vision involves converting existing bedsits into modern one or two-bedroom flats, thereby expanding the availability of standard housing stock for local residents.
Despite the initial postponement of these significant redevelopment plans due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the council has confirmed that on-site work for the St Catherine’s Square project is now anticipated to commence from 2026 at the earliest. The eventual fate and function of the vacant retail properties will be intricately linked to the outcomes of this broader regeneration. Future Considerations for City Centre Revitalisation
The council spokesperson emphasised that while the empty shops are firmly part of the St Catherine’s Square project, their conversion into residential accommodation is one of several “options” still under active consideration. “A programme of regeneration for St Catherine’s Square continues to be part of our forward planning, and it is hoped that work on this may begin during 2026,” the spokesperson reiterated. “The vacant shop units will be part of the project, and the option of converting the units to mainstream residential accommodation will be considered as part of this.”
This long-term, integrated approach reflects the council’s commitment to addressing the root causes of urban decline rather than merely applying superficial fixes. By linking the empty High Street properties to a wider community and housing improvement scheme, Perth and Kinross Council aims to foster a more resilient, attractive, and cohesive city centre that benefits all residents for years to come. The comprehensive nature of this plan offers a hopeful outlook for the future vibrancy of Perth’s historic core.
Number 276, formerly occupied by High Street Local, has been vacant since around April 2017, marking it as the longest-unoccupied retail space on the entire High Street. Just a short distance away, number 282, previously home to the Perth and Kinross Credit Union until June 2019, holds the distinction of being the fourth longest-term empty unit in the Fair City’s main thoroughfare. A recent assessment revealed 21 vacant retail premises across the High Street, with over a quarter of these (28.6%) being under local ownership, underscoring a collective interest in finding solutions.
According to a council spokesperson, the current condition of the properties at 276 and 282 High Street is such that they are deemed “not currently in a lettable condition.” Evaluations suggest that the significant investment required to bring these units up to commercial rental standards far outweighs any potential income from leasing them as retail spaces. While some minor cosmetic enhancements have been undertaken to improve the street’s overall appearance, a more impactful, long-term strategy is now being pursued.
The Old High Street section, specifically from St Paul’s Cathedral onwards, appears to be disproportionately affected by these prolonged vacancies. The recent closure of Fun Junction further highlights the struggles in this part of town. Statistical data indicates that more than 25% of the 31 properties on Old High Street are currently unoccupied, a notable difference compared to the 15% vacancy rate observed across the remaining 84 units on other stretches of Perth’s High Street. These two council-owned units are designated under the Housing Revenue Account, meaning their utilisation must directly benefit council tenants. A Comprehensive Regeneration Approach
In a strategic shift from standalone refurbishment, the local authority is integrating the future of these empty shops into a much larger urban regeneration project. The units at 276 and 282 High Street are now being considered as integral components of a comprehensive overhaul planned for the adjacent St Catherine’s Square housing blocks. This ambitious initiative aims to tackle both urban decay and long-standing social challenges within the area.
The revitalisation of St Catherine’s Square has been a key priority for Perth and Kinross Council, initially highlighted in its Rapid Rehousing Transition Plan (RRTP) spanning 2019-2024. The plan aimed to address the unfortunate “stigmatisation” of the residential blocks due to “anti-social behaviour, alcohol and substance abuse and police attendance.” The long-term vision involves converting existing bedsits into modern one or two-bedroom flats, thereby expanding the availability of standard housing stock for local residents.
Despite the initial postponement of these significant redevelopment plans due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the council has confirmed that on-site work for the St Catherine’s Square project is now anticipated to commence from 2026 at the earliest. The eventual fate and function of the vacant retail properties will be intricately linked to the outcomes of this broader regeneration. Future Considerations for City Centre Revitalisation
The council spokesperson emphasised that while the empty shops are firmly part of the St Catherine’s Square project, their conversion into residential accommodation is one of several “options” still under active consideration. “A programme of regeneration for St Catherine’s Square continues to be part of our forward planning, and it is hoped that work on this may begin during 2026,” the spokesperson reiterated. “The vacant shop units will be part of the project, and the option of converting the units to mainstream residential accommodation will be considered as part of this.”
This long-term, integrated approach reflects the council’s commitment to addressing the root causes of urban decline rather than merely applying superficial fixes. By linking the empty High Street properties to a wider community and housing improvement scheme, Perth and Kinross Council aims to foster a more resilient, attractive, and cohesive city centre that benefits all residents for years to come. The comprehensive nature of this plan offers a hopeful outlook for the future vibrancy of Perth’s historic core.