A Perth developer is pressing ahead with the second phase of a £1 million city centre project despite economic uncertainty triggered by the pandemic.
While many businesses have put plans on hold until the coronavirus is tamed, Verimac Ltd is rolling-out their re-development plans for a former bank building.
The one-time Clydesdale Bank headquarters in South Methven Street lay vacant for three years before being acquired by the Perth company.
Popular furniture store set to close after 25 years
The first chapter in the transformation of “The Old Bank” building saw Dental Care Perth relocate from a converted Princes Street tenement to a state-of-the art ground floor surgery with six consulting rooms.
Now, Verimac has lodged a planning application with Perth and Kinross Council for another high-end 4,000 square feet project, with an unnamed business lined-up for a move in the New Year.
“The first phase of plans to breathe new life into this high- profile building in the city centre proved very successful,” said property developer and Verimac director Brian Blair.
Accused removed from court after chat with COVID victim contact
“Dental Care Perth occupied a spacious unit packed with the very latest technology and it has gone from strength to strength,” he said.
“Encouraged by that, we are eager to move ahead with the second phase despite all the uncertainty being created by the fall-out from the pandemic.
“It would have been easy to have adopted a cautious approach and opt to stall the development until things settled down.
Pitlochry Theatre submits plans for a second performance space
“But we have a long-established Perth client who sees the huge potential for expansion offered by The Old Bank development.
“They do have options elsewhere but are keen to remain in Perth and expand their existing business.
“At a time when so many units are empty and precious little investment is being made in city centres up and down the country that has to be good news for the Fair City.
“We have worked closely with the council’s head of planning and development David Littlejohn and vacant property development officer Isobel Butt to bring this forward.
“We are grateful to them both for their support.”
Verimac is also keen to develop the historic “Hal o’ the Wynd” house to the rear of the former bank.
Study reveals how much college is worth to Perth and Kinross
The three-storey property on Mill Wynd dates back to the early 18th century and featured in Sir Walter Scott’s ‘Fair Maid of Perth’.
“We have another potential tenant showing interest in this property,” said Mr Blair.
