A persistent eyesore on Perth’s Strathtay Road, the former ABP abattoir, is finally on the brink of transformation. After years of local complaints and failed attempts at revitalization, an innovative redevelopment plan is now moving through the planning stages, promising to convert the derelict site into a cutting-edge self-storage facility.
For nearly a decade, the site has stood vacant and crumbling, a stark reminder of its former industrial life. Residents and local authorities have long voiced their concerns about its dilapidated state, highlighting issues ranging from its unsightly appearance to its becoming a haven for gulls. The community’s collective desire for a positive change in the area has been a consistent theme over recent years.
A recent structural assessment revealed the severity of the building’s decay, citing widespread “advanced structural failure,” sections of collapsed roofing, and significant water damage. Critically, the survey also identified the probable presence of hazardous materials, including asbestos and reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC), underlining the urgent need for its safe removal. Experts have concluded that the structure is beyond economical repair, leaving demolition as the only practical path forward.
Prior efforts to breathe new life into the land encountered significant hurdles. Past proposals for retail outlets, light industrial units, and even drive-through restaurants were all rejected by local planners. These rejections typically stemmed from concerns over potential traffic congestion, the intensity of daily operations, and a general incompatibility with the established residential character of the surrounding Perth neighbourhood.
However, a fresh perspective has emerged, spearheaded by an Edinburgh-based property developer. Their ambitious vision introduces a pioneering concept to Scotland: a state-of-the-art modular self-storage park. This innovative approach seeks to provide a much-needed service while minimizing the impact on the local community, a key differentiator from previous, unsuccessful schemes.
The company behind this transformative project is SRA Ventures, led by the astute entrepreneur Shaf Rasul, widely recognized for his role as an online ‘Dragon’ on the popular Dragons’ Den television series. Rasul’s involvement brings a blend of business acumen and a commitment to modern, efficient development to the Perth landscape.
The proposed facility will feature 116 individual drive-up storage units, designed with a focus on convenience and security. A core element of this modern design is its fully automated access system, managed via smartphone applications, which dramatically reduces the need for permanent on-site staff. This automation, combined with round-the-clock CCTV surveillance, ensures a secure yet unobtrusive operation. Furthermore, SRA Ventures emphasizes the use of high-performance aerogel insulation, a material originally developed by NASA, to maintain optimal climate conditions within the storage units.
This distinct operational model directly addresses the long-standing concerns about traffic and noise that hindered previous proposals. By eliminating constant vehicle movements and human presence typical of traditional commercial developments, the self-storage park promises a quiet and secure environment that is genuinely beneficial for Strathtay Road and its adjacent residential areas.
SRA Ventures has already taken the initial step, submitting a pre-application inquiry to Perth and Kinross Council planners. The company anticipates lodging a formal planning application in the near future. Subject to the necessary approvals, demolition work on the existing structures could commence later this year, with the first of the new, modern storage units projected to open their doors by early 2026.
The redevelopment marks a significant step towards revitalizing a key urban site in Perth, turning a long-standing community concern into a modern, functional asset that aligns with the evolving needs of the area.
For nearly a decade, the site has stood vacant and crumbling, a stark reminder of its former industrial life. Residents and local authorities have long voiced their concerns about its dilapidated state, highlighting issues ranging from its unsightly appearance to its becoming a haven for gulls. The community’s collective desire for a positive change in the area has been a consistent theme over recent years.
A recent structural assessment revealed the severity of the building’s decay, citing widespread “advanced structural failure,” sections of collapsed roofing, and significant water damage. Critically, the survey also identified the probable presence of hazardous materials, including asbestos and reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC), underlining the urgent need for its safe removal. Experts have concluded that the structure is beyond economical repair, leaving demolition as the only practical path forward.
Prior efforts to breathe new life into the land encountered significant hurdles. Past proposals for retail outlets, light industrial units, and even drive-through restaurants were all rejected by local planners. These rejections typically stemmed from concerns over potential traffic congestion, the intensity of daily operations, and a general incompatibility with the established residential character of the surrounding Perth neighbourhood.
However, a fresh perspective has emerged, spearheaded by an Edinburgh-based property developer. Their ambitious vision introduces a pioneering concept to Scotland: a state-of-the-art modular self-storage park. This innovative approach seeks to provide a much-needed service while minimizing the impact on the local community, a key differentiator from previous, unsuccessful schemes.
The company behind this transformative project is SRA Ventures, led by the astute entrepreneur Shaf Rasul, widely recognized for his role as an online ‘Dragon’ on the popular Dragons’ Den television series. Rasul’s involvement brings a blend of business acumen and a commitment to modern, efficient development to the Perth landscape.
The proposed facility will feature 116 individual drive-up storage units, designed with a focus on convenience and security. A core element of this modern design is its fully automated access system, managed via smartphone applications, which dramatically reduces the need for permanent on-site staff. This automation, combined with round-the-clock CCTV surveillance, ensures a secure yet unobtrusive operation. Furthermore, SRA Ventures emphasizes the use of high-performance aerogel insulation, a material originally developed by NASA, to maintain optimal climate conditions within the storage units.
This distinct operational model directly addresses the long-standing concerns about traffic and noise that hindered previous proposals. By eliminating constant vehicle movements and human presence typical of traditional commercial developments, the self-storage park promises a quiet and secure environment that is genuinely beneficial for Strathtay Road and its adjacent residential areas.
SRA Ventures has already taken the initial step, submitting a pre-application inquiry to Perth and Kinross Council planners. The company anticipates lodging a formal planning application in the near future. Subject to the necessary approvals, demolition work on the existing structures could commence later this year, with the first of the new, modern storage units projected to open their doors by early 2026.
The redevelopment marks a significant step towards revitalizing a key urban site in Perth, turning a long-standing community concern into a modern, functional asset that aligns with the evolving needs of the area.