Investing in Our Assets for Sustainable Towns of the Future

In the last decade Perth & Kinross Council has invested over £50 million in cultural and heritage infrastructure within Perth City Centre. Developed with business leaders, this bold vision was first highlighted as a key component of the Perth City Plan – Perth 2040.

At its heart, the flagship Perth Museum project – a £27 million refurbishment of the historic City Hall building - opened in March 2024, providing a compelling cultural narrative for both the city and its regional hinterland.

In its first seven months of opening, Perth Museum has welcomed over 200,000 visitors, all eager to step into the story of the Stone of Destiny, the most powerful surviving symbol of Scotland’s royal history.

Councillor Grant Laing, Leader of Perth and Kinross Council, commented, “To thrive, city centres can no longer exist simply as retail destinations: they must offer a wider range of culture, leisure, and social experiences in innovative and inclusive ways. A hallmark of Perth’s cultural renaissance, Perth Museum is the latest and most ambitious statement of intent by the council, which will serve as a foundation block for the next phase of Perth and its economic development.”

Perth: Building on Success

In the years leading up to its opening, the Council launched several cultural placemaking projects such as the regeneration of St Paul’s Church space – now a lively outdoor events venue - the City of Light Programme, and the Vennels Art Project.

These new additions to the city have enhanced a longstanding and established arts scene which brings together award-winning venues - Perth Art Gallery, Perth Theatre, and Perth Concert Hall - with a vibrant events calendar that features over 500 events annually and shows an economic impact of £30 million via the visitor economy.

Aiming to attract and showcase the best in Scottish, British and international talent, events such as Perth Festival of the Arts have placed Perth firmly on Scotland’s rich, cultural scene.

UNESCO City of Craft and Folk Arts

In 2021 Perth applied for, and won, UNESCO City of Craft and Folk Arts status - the only UK city to hold this prestigious title. As well as giving weight and meaning to the legacy leaders have set out to build, UNESCO status has also worked to embed the role of culture and craft into decision-making and sustainable development at all levels.

Councillor Laing continued, “Perth’s rich history of creativity is something to be celebrated. Our UNESCO status helps to highlight the unique offering of Perth and Kinross as a place of small and independent businesses and a source of inspiration to artists both historically and into the future.”

As well as this, over £4.5million of investment has gone into better business support infrastructure via Perth Creative Exchange. This WASPS managed creative space for makers and artisans is also home to The Famous Grouse Ideas Centre, which aims to offer a wealth of opportunities and support for individuals and SMEs working in the creative, digital, and technical sectors.

Perth City Centre Development & Design Framework

Galvanising the momentum of the past decade, Perth & Kinross Council has recently launched a draft strategy for the Perth City Centre Development & Design Framework.

The framework outlines a series of exciting proposals including a series of streetscape enhancements, property improvements and designated investment quarters. In addition, guidelines for urban development provide a framework for architects, planners and developers to create a sustainable urban environment.

By building on these strong foundations, the Perth City Plan – Perth 2040 can now move onto its next phase, allowing Perth to emerge as one of ‘Europe’s greatest small cities’, all while driving forward a fairer, stronger, greener, and more resilient economy.

Councillor Laing, “By ensuring we integrate the values, history, and live experiences of our communities into economic and political decision making, we can inspire and connect our communities in a more meaningful way. In turn, this builds a sense of civic pride and offers a compelling hook for increasing tourism and growing the population through placemaking.”

Download: Perth City Centre Development & Design Framework.

Have your say: Take part in the Framework consultation, open until 17th January.