The revamp of the former Lakeland unit and the launch of the new Perth Museum paints a bright future for the local high street despite a number of recent business closure announcements.
That is the view of many local representatives after three city businesses all in the space of a week said they were shutting.
In a blow to shoppers and those going out, the butchers Nicoll’s of Perth, Tayside Bar and Kitchen and Malky’s Bar will all cease trading by the end of this week.
Nicoll’s, on South Methven Street, announced its sudden closure on May 31, due to “increasing staffing difficulties”.
Tayside Bar and Kitchen on Princes Street only opened in April and served its last customers at the weekend.
In statement management said: “Due to circumstances out of our control, we’re deeply saddened to announce that we will be closing our doors permanently, as of 11pm on Saturday, June 10.
“This is not a decision we have taken lightly, but unfortunately it’s no longer financially viable to keep the business open at this current time.
“We’d like to thank everyone for their continued support but unfortunately, due to the lack of footfall coming in the doors, we are unable to sustain ourselves and have no other choice but to close.
“We’d also like to say huge thank you to our staff, as without them, the dream would never of became a reality.”
Malky’s Bar on South Street will shut on Saturday, June 17, with a farewell party planned for next week.
Several other local shops and restaurants have also called it a day.
Two Chihuahua’s Gringo’s Bar and Restaurant and Dutch and Pablo’s bar both closed last month.
Peter Martin, who owns family-run Martin’s Fruit Bazaar on South Street, is now preparing to retire and is hoping to sell the premises.
Business promotion group Perthshire Local believes ‘closing down’ signs are becoming “far too common a site”.
However, in a positive turn of events, new businesses are also popping up in the area.
Among them are “feel-good food” and “creative cocktail” bar and restaurant Vandal and Co which opened on George Street in April.
Meanwhile, St John’s Bar and Restaurant has thrived on the corner of Perth City Hall since it launched on the eve of The King’s Coronation weekend on May 4.
Bonnie Moon Crystals is open on South Street and The Spotty Tiger on George Street is to launch soon.
Plans to serve up a new restaurant in the former HSBC branch on High Street were also approved in April.
The new £26.5 million Perth Museum plus greenlit plans for a restaurant and residential flats in the former Lakeland unit at 50 St John Street, have also been used as examples of a potentially brighter future for the Fair City.
The ground floor of the former Lakeland building would take on an open-plan layout with a restaurant and bar area with upstairs five new flats.
All of the apartments would be sold individually to “ensure the long-term future of the building”.
Labour Mid Scotland and Fife MSP Claire Baker led an inquiry by the Economy and Fair Work Committee to explore challenges facing high streets and proposed action to support modern and thriving town centres.
She said: “The news that the application for the old Lakeland unit has been approved is positive for Perth.
“While we have sadly seen the closure of some local businesses, the recent success of ventures like Vandal and Co and the St John’s Bar and Restaurant, combined with positive developments like this, are great news for the reinvigoration of the centre.
“With trade costs remaining high, and the ongoing cost of living crisis meaning people have less money to spend, the environment for businesses continues to be challenging, and we need to see the planning system geared towards supporting the diversification of our town centres so they have a thriving future.
“Perth has so much to offer in terms of its historic centre and fantastic location, and I hope that we can encourage a range of businesses to succeed here.”
Perth City Centre ward Councillor Peter Barrett said: “With the investment in St Paul’s Square we are seeing the fruits of private investment follow public regeneration in the city centre.
“We can see that in the immediate vicinity of the Perth Museum. The new St John’s restaurant and the Museum Court development is evidence of that on the southern side as well as the extension of outdoor dining in St John’s Place to the north.
“Development of the former Lakeland Bank of Scotland building will hopefully attract more footfall to St John’s Street.”
He added: “Unfortunately it is not possible to eliminate or ignore the negatives.
“The Scottish Government’s reduction in business rates reliefs and thresholds is hurting small businesses badly.”
Fellow ward councillor Eric Drysdale said the council’s priority is to develop a “sustainable and stronger” economy across the county.
“To meet this ambition we need to create a vibrant city centre in Perth for our businesses, residents and visitors,” he added.
“Next year will see the new £26.5 million Perth Museum open.
“As the new home of Scotland’s Stone of Destiny, it will bring thousands of additional visitors to Perth and Kinross, delivering an annual boost to the local economy of around £2.5 million as well as complementing our many other cultural attractions such as Perth Art Gallery, the Concert Hall and Perth Theatre.”
He added: “We understand trading conditions for businesses in town and city centres everywhere have been difficult – not only have they had to contend with lockdown and the pandemic, shopping habits have changed and the cost of living crisis means people have less disposable income.
“Nevertheless, we are committed to revitalising our town centres by supporting businesses.”
City Centre ward Councillor Chris Ahern admitted businesses face a “challenging environment” at the moment but that creating more accommodation is a positive.
He said: “There is some good news with some new businesses opening but our changing shopping habits are not helping.
“The fact that the Lakeland building will become a restaurant and flats is really good news.
“The city centre needs more accommodation especially for students and the younger generation in order to help the night time
economy.
“Perth does really well with independent retailers, but in order for them to succeed we need to bring people in. Having retail outlets on the edge of the city does not help, and parking and parking charges has always been an issue.
“I do hope that once the city hall is open then that will draw people in.
“The traditional city centre that most of us grew up with, with large department stores and lots of national chains, is changing as online sales increase and costs to the retailers are greatly reduced by moving online.
“If we want to see shops back in the High Street, then we need to go back to shopping in the shops.”
