A significant new chapter is set to begin for a prominent, long-vacant building in the heart of Perth, following the unanimous approval of plans to convert its former municipal offices into a 74-bedroom boutique hotel. The decision, made by the Perth and Kinross Council’s planning committee, signals a potential revitalisation for the distinctive property located at the junction of High Street and Tay Street.
This development is particularly noteworthy given the building’s unique heritage and its riverside location. Future guests and visitors will have the opportunity to delve into Perth’s past, as the hotel’s design incorporates the preservation and public access of the building’s original basement jail cells, the historic courtroom, and the former council chambers. These unique features are envisioned to become captivating visitor attractions, offering a glimpse into the city’s civic history and adding a distinctive character to the new accommodation. Navigating Environmental Concerns and Safeguarding Measures
Despite the enthusiasm for the project’s potential, the proposal faced considerable scrutiny, particularly from the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (Sepa) and the council’s own flood management team. Their primary concern revolved around the inclusion of 19 bedrooms on the ground floor, which would reclassify the building’s flood vulnerability status from ‘low’ to ‘high’ on official flood maps due to the proposed residential use.
During the committee meeting, developers’ agent Gordon Thomson provided comprehensive assurances to address these critical environmental concerns. He outlined a robust flood evacuation strategy, emphasizing that the hotel would operate with 24-hour staffing, ensuring continuous oversight and rapid response capabilities. Furthermore, he highlighted that the city’s established flood warning scheme typically provides a substantial lead time of five to six hours, allowing ample opportunity for safe evacuation if necessary. He also clarified that the hotel operator, not the local authority, would bear responsibility for insurance costs associated with flood risk, and that the updated flood vulnerability status would not impede the building’s overall insurability. These detailed explanations were crucial in allaying fears and securing the committee’s approval. A Lasting Opportunity for Urban Renewal
The sentiment among the local councilors reflected a strong desire to see the historic structure brought back to life. Councillor Ian James eloquently captured this perspective, stating that it would be a pleasure “to see this building come back into use.” He further remarked, “The place hasn’t flooded yet. We’re only surmising that it might happen in the future.” This pragmatic view underscored the committee’s decision, balancing perceived risks against the tangible benefits of urban regeneration.
For over twelve years, the 1-5 High Street building has stood largely empty, a prominent architectural statement awaiting a new purpose. Its sale for a nominal £1 in October 2020 was a clear indication of the council’s commitment to finding a viable future for the site. The path to this current approval has not been without its challenges. Earlier this year, it was revealed that the initial preferred bidder, Henley Homes, had faced financial difficulties. Subsequently, Rogue City Hotels, a related entity, took over, only to be dissolved after one of its other ventures, the Dunalastair Hotel Suites at Kinloch Rannoch, entered administration.
Now, Lock Terrace Ltd, guided by former officers of Henley Homes, has stepped forward, breathing new life into the ambitious plans. A report presented to the planning committee highlighted the critical nature of this opportunity, asserting that the proposed hotel use represents the “only realistic option” for the building. It warned that without this project, there is a “significant likelihood that it will remain disused in the long term,” a fate few in Perth would wish for such a valuable landmark. The Road Ahead
While the local planning committee’s approval marks a significant milestone, the journey is not yet complete. Due to Sepa’s initial objection, the final decision on the project will ultimately rest with the Scottish Government. Additionally, the developers will need to secure listed building consent, a necessary step to ensure that any alterations respect the architectural and historical integrity of this cherished Perth structure. The community of Perth and Kinross now awaits these final decisions with keen interest, hopeful that this historic building will soon welcome visitors once again, contributing to the city’s vibrancy and preserving its unique heritage.
This development is particularly noteworthy given the building’s unique heritage and its riverside location. Future guests and visitors will have the opportunity to delve into Perth’s past, as the hotel’s design incorporates the preservation and public access of the building’s original basement jail cells, the historic courtroom, and the former council chambers. These unique features are envisioned to become captivating visitor attractions, offering a glimpse into the city’s civic history and adding a distinctive character to the new accommodation. Navigating Environmental Concerns and Safeguarding Measures
Despite the enthusiasm for the project’s potential, the proposal faced considerable scrutiny, particularly from the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (Sepa) and the council’s own flood management team. Their primary concern revolved around the inclusion of 19 bedrooms on the ground floor, which would reclassify the building’s flood vulnerability status from ‘low’ to ‘high’ on official flood maps due to the proposed residential use.
During the committee meeting, developers’ agent Gordon Thomson provided comprehensive assurances to address these critical environmental concerns. He outlined a robust flood evacuation strategy, emphasizing that the hotel would operate with 24-hour staffing, ensuring continuous oversight and rapid response capabilities. Furthermore, he highlighted that the city’s established flood warning scheme typically provides a substantial lead time of five to six hours, allowing ample opportunity for safe evacuation if necessary. He also clarified that the hotel operator, not the local authority, would bear responsibility for insurance costs associated with flood risk, and that the updated flood vulnerability status would not impede the building’s overall insurability. These detailed explanations were crucial in allaying fears and securing the committee’s approval. A Lasting Opportunity for Urban Renewal
The sentiment among the local councilors reflected a strong desire to see the historic structure brought back to life. Councillor Ian James eloquently captured this perspective, stating that it would be a pleasure “to see this building come back into use.” He further remarked, “The place hasn’t flooded yet. We’re only surmising that it might happen in the future.” This pragmatic view underscored the committee’s decision, balancing perceived risks against the tangible benefits of urban regeneration.
For over twelve years, the 1-5 High Street building has stood largely empty, a prominent architectural statement awaiting a new purpose. Its sale for a nominal £1 in October 2020 was a clear indication of the council’s commitment to finding a viable future for the site. The path to this current approval has not been without its challenges. Earlier this year, it was revealed that the initial preferred bidder, Henley Homes, had faced financial difficulties. Subsequently, Rogue City Hotels, a related entity, took over, only to be dissolved after one of its other ventures, the Dunalastair Hotel Suites at Kinloch Rannoch, entered administration.
Now, Lock Terrace Ltd, guided by former officers of Henley Homes, has stepped forward, breathing new life into the ambitious plans. A report presented to the planning committee highlighted the critical nature of this opportunity, asserting that the proposed hotel use represents the “only realistic option” for the building. It warned that without this project, there is a “significant likelihood that it will remain disused in the long term,” a fate few in Perth would wish for such a valuable landmark. The Road Ahead
While the local planning committee’s approval marks a significant milestone, the journey is not yet complete. Due to Sepa’s initial objection, the final decision on the project will ultimately rest with the Scottish Government. Additionally, the developers will need to secure listed building consent, a necessary step to ensure that any alterations respect the architectural and historical integrity of this cherished Perth structure. The community of Perth and Kinross now awaits these final decisions with keen interest, hopeful that this historic building will soon welcome visitors once again, contributing to the city’s vibrancy and preserving its unique heritage.