City Hall

[Dev]

Looks like we're getting ever closer to the prospect of demolition:

http://www.thecourier.co.uk/output/2008/11/06/newsstory12204084t0.asp

[SlickDT]

Quickly becoming a joke

[blueheaven]

Burn it down! It's Scotland's number 1 eyesore.

[saint_markperth]

Ill help them take it down

[Istanbul Saints]

Make a great pub for the saints fans to assemble

[sleepless]

how come it's got in such a state? It's a good few years since I've been in Perth but it used to be a fine enough building. Worked there myself on a good few occasions.

[billy butlin beviesbirkie]

This dogs body of a building needs removed sooner than later,the problem is that it may haved looked good there when first built,but the landscape around it (agreed by various councils) does not do it any favour. If those idiot;s that started the save our city hall caimpain still think that, then it could be removed brick by brick and relocated to the now vacant mart site, Then they can go up in there zimmors on a sunday morning and sit and look at it over a coffee.

[Dev]

It all seems to be a bit of a mess: http://www.thecourier.co.uk/output/2009/01/09/newsstory12475773t0.asp

There is no way that they'll be able to fill the tenancies for the place so they need to form alternative plans. This development is not going to happen.

[Dev]

http://www.thecourier.co.uk/output/2009/01/09/newsstory12475777t0.asp

More criticism of the council in this article as well. The Courier certainly aren't holding back on the council today!

To be fair, a number of the criticisms are fair and it is clear that the original retail park is on it's last legs.

[wee john]

i love the city hall and to see such a landmark in the city go would be ashame.
The council have to take the blame for letting such a building get run down.
I cannot understand why Perth people would like this to be gone.

long live the city hall:razz:

[Jimmy Wallace]

i love the city hall and to see such a landmark in the city go would be ashame.
The council have to take the blame for letting such a building get run down.
I cannot understand why Perth people would like this to be gone.

long live the city hall:razz:

The City Hall is a box with a couple of pillars stuck on the front. It is completely beyond me why anyone can think of it as some kind of architectural landmark. It should never have been allowed to be built where it is, stuck in front of a genuine building of value, St John's Kirk (and I speak as an atheist). Knock the bloody thing down please and let Perth breathe.

[StephanieBarr]

The City Hall is a box with a couple of pillars stuck on the front. It is completely beyond me why anyone can think of it as some kind of architectural landmark. It should never have been allowed to be built where it is, stuck in front of a genuine building of value, St John's Kirk (and I speak as an atheist). Knock the bloody thing down please and let Perth breathe.


What about the beautiful wee cherubs along the top of the building.

I agree with the wee chap,( for once ) Long Live The City Hall.

[Kevin]

What about the beautiful wee cherubs along the top of the building.

I agree with the wee chap,( for once ) Long Live The City Hall.

They are hideous Steph!! Tell me you are having a laugh, please :roll:

Anyway, it is mock architecture to try and blend in with the old mills rather than the town and is crumbling away gradually, as it has for years. When the SOCH lot were out campaigning it was for the hall per se, not as another mini market that has since been proposed, which will donothing for the town!

Bring it down and allow the views of the kirk to be released, a far better looking building in my (non-religious) opinion too!!

[myDarlingBeefeater]

The city hall is an abomination. It may be listed but it's an ugly building. A box with a couple of pillars stuck on the front, as Jimmy said. Now that The Courier has exposed the council's shocking deal with these Wharfside shysters the only argument left to keep the building is its listed status. That's contentious itself. Why should it be protected just because it's old? We have a great new concert hall at Horsecross & if big names like Zavvi & Woolies are going tits-up who exactly do PKC think are going to be queuing up for a dingy unit in that ghastly money pit? RAZE IT TO THE GROUND! A city square between a renovated Filling Station building, the opposite units (currently empty. take the hint, PKC) & St John's Kirk would be a proper city centre.

Ms Barr: I'm sure if you write to the ****cil they'll let you keep the cherubs for your garden. That's if they're not too busy on foreign junkets or spunking taxpayer's money heating & maintaining derelict eyesores.

[wee john]

yes lets have a square that we can sit in and get wet and cold so we can look at the kirk. A square we will be able to sit in an open air cafe in comfort about 21 days of the year if we are lucky.
You already get lovely views of the Kirk from the various eateries and bars in St John's place.
We have a building there we can utilise to the citizens of Perth benefit.

I love the city hall.

[Steve Maskrey]

The council have screwed up over the handling of the project, just as they are with this development at Inveralmond. They have failed to call in this project for review as it's pretty obvious no company's in a position to open new stores or that Wharfside still have the right funding in place. I understand it all started to go pear-shaped after Fopp went bust as they'd been confirmed as a tenant, along with Starbucks, Zizzi's (restaurant) and a bank.

Personally, I'd like to see it demolished to create a city square and enhance the potential of St.John's kirk and the pavement cafes. It could act as a better home for the Farmers Market and even create a fountain, using the cherubs from the existing hall.

[101 Saint]

It could act as a better home for the Farmers Market and even create a fountain, using the cherubs from the existing hall.

We could dance in the fountain on the eve of 25th April 2009 - the date which will crown our 125th Anniversary Celebrations!

[MUZZ]

I went to rave once in the city hall. twas a good night. however, i also seen starsailor play there and that was not so entertaining.

[Dev]

Personally, I'd like to see it demolished to create a city square and enhance the potential of St.John's kirk and the pavement cafes. It could act as a better home for the Farmers Market and even create a fountain, using the cherubs from the existing hall.

I agree. I think the council should now bite the bullet and pull the plug on the redevelopment scheme and turn their attentions to providing a high quality open space there. This would help to sustain and improve upon the restaurants and cafes alongside the square and would open up the far side of the square to be regenerated.

I can't see this happening though, they don't seem to be making many correct decisions just now.

[Saintly Child]

Another balls up from a totally inept PKDC that has slowly destroyed Perth as any kind of town/city.

They have the cheek to moan about a local pub offering a 99p pint.

Get a life.

Too many meetings about meetings with this lot get them to fek.

[blueheaven]

It's a crying shame that the Perth people are being made to pay to keep this eyesore standing when it could and should have been demolished years ago. The place has zero function, either practical or aesthetic, and only serves to make Perth's dying town centre look even uglier and more derelict. If a square there was to only get used for "21 days" of the year as suggested above, then at least that would be 21 days more use than the local population are getting out of it at the moment.

I think a cleverly designed city square would not only rejuvinate the town with a fresh new look, but it would also provide somewhere to host markets, outdoor concerts, a New Years party, Christmas time events (as well as a better location for the trees/lights) and occasional fairground rides (maybe even an outdoor ice rink in the winter?). You could even put a small cafe in the middle of it. To be honest though, even if it sat empty all year round and was used solely by tramps, it would still look better than what's there at the moment.

Instead of fighting the losing battle to try to attract shops to move into the place, the council could always concentrate on luring decent shops back to the High Street and existing mall instead.

[billy butlin beviesbirkie]

Well well well we j. I have spent a fair few happy days in some wonderfull city squares around the world with your good self. And when the mighty st.johnstone fc get back into europe again at the end of next season and draw the mighty ac milan,i hope there fans will come and we will have a wonderfull time in our famous city square.I really think you are on a wind up to say this mess must stay. The best thing to come out of the shity hall was margret thatcher and you know my allegances. siol...........

[Burghsaintee]

I think a lot of people have a romantic view of the City Hall, especially those of a certain age, who remember dancing in the City Hall, and perhaps met their partner there. However, memories do not count for anything, and the only thing to do is to knock the thing down.

There was also suggestions in the PA that an underground car park be built under the square, to provide for City centre parking. I think this is an excellent idea. Most Spanish town have these, and they make sense. This would rejuvenate the City Centre be an asset to the existing shops.

[Dave H]

knock down and open up the centre of town and the kirk. nice benches and a water fountain would be a nice touch. can be a perfect market town square ideal for the farmers stalls on Saturdays.

could be also utilised with big screen for major sporting events.

it really does take up a large space and could become the new 'centre' of town, a focal point square (potential garden)

[Dev]

We have a building there we can utilise to the citizens of Perth benefit.

What benefit do you foresee us getting from it in the next twenty years or so? What would you like it to be used for? It would need to be something financially viable given the current high cost of upkeep and with the Concert Hall now performing a similar role to the original use of the building. I think it's clear that the council's plans have been a mistake and are dead in the water.

[ancientsaint]

On top of that what will they do with Old Woolworths building ?

[saint sid]

On top of that what will they do with Old Woolworths building ?

the word a while back was, its getting knocked down.

[THE LARK SAINT]

the word a while back was, its getting knocked down.

yes by the kilmartin group, to make a street to the concert hall, the dhhs buildings in mill street are supposed to be going too as part of the street, they could just flatten the city hall and st.pauls church when they are at it!!!

[blueheaven]

the word a while back was, its getting knocked down.

That story's been doing the rounds for decades, so it'll be interesting to see if the council actually go through with it now that the shop is empty and there's theoretically nothing standing in their way. Personally I think the most likely thing that will happen is that it will sit empty for years to come, getting uglier and uglier, with letters falling off the Woolies sign. Then a 99p store will move in.

[Corned Beef]

It's all very well saying 'flatten it' but it takes away from the character of the town if there is just a square for some people to eat in (bit useless if it rains) and no building there. You could be anywhere in the country - what would make it stand out from other areas of the country with similar squares?

It's a shame that it's probably not going to happen with the financial state at the moment but I think theres plenty of scope for interesting redevelopments of the current building. Not neccesarily more shops or even food outlets either. How about something for the people of Perth that doesn't involve food, booze, shopping or sitting about for once?

[williamwonka]

is it possible to flatten the city hall ( bearing in mind all the shops etc)?

[Dev]

I think theres plenty of scope for interesting redevelopments of the current building. Not neccesarily more shops or even food outlets either. How about something for the people of Perth that doesn't involve food, booze, shopping or sitting about for once?

What's your suggestion?

[a monkey]

Apologies for possibly being a total idiot here, I have never actually properly lived in Perth and haven't been back to the centre for almost 8 years....

...but where is the concert hall in relation to the city hall? Or are they the same thing?

[williamwonka]

Apologies for possibly being a total idiot here, I have never actually properly lived in Perth and haven't been back to the centre for almost 8 years....

...but where is the concert hall in relation to the city hall? Or are they the same thing?

Concert hall is where the car parking used to be outside the back of marks & sparks (directly oposite where pacos is now, or the bit in marks and spencers where you could pick up your shopping with yer car)

:laugh:

[geo69]

About 4 years ago i had the absolute pleasure of spending a few days in Brugge. This was in between Christmas and New Year and was absolutely freezing. Slap bang in the middle of Brugge is the central plaza and in my opinion this is what Perth should be aiming for. The open plaza was heaving and had an outdoor ice rink, good market stalls and open air food vendors. All around the plaza were good restaurants with people eating or drinking hot chocolate outside. I would imagine that in the summer months it would be just as, if not more, utilised and appreciated.
Perth City Hall is an obsolete eyesore and should be raised to the ground now. I liked the point earlier about oldies getting misty eyed as they met their wives/husbands there, would they want to keep the mallard if it was lying unused for years and falling into disrepair? I know that the wife and i would not.
Getting back to the Brugge comparison, in the centre of the city you really had to look hard to find an actual pub and not just a restaurant selling you a beer. Imagine Perth being like that! Oh and i never saw any charity/euro shops either.

[Burghsaintee]

About 4 years ago i had the absolute pleasure of spending a few days in Brugge. This was in between Christmas and New Year and was absolutely freezing. Slap bang in the middle of Brugge is the central plaza and in my opinion this is what Perth should be aiming for.

I think this is a good example, as most people are saying you need hot weather to make it successful, but I agree, and do not think this is absolutely necessary.

[blueheaven]

It's all very well saying 'flatten it' but it takes away from the character of the town if there is just a square for some people to eat in (bit useless if it rains) and no building there. You could be anywhere in the country - what would make it stand out from other areas of the country with similar squares?

I don't see losing some "character" as a bad thing if that "character" involves a, massive, ugly, useless, derelict blot on the landscape. If the city hall was a nice building with a decent purpose I'd completely agree with you - but it's clearly not.

It's a shame that it's probably not going to happen with the financial state at the moment but I think theres plenty of scope for interesting redevelopments of the current building. Not neccesarily more shops or even food outlets either. How about something for the people of Perth that doesn't involve food, booze, shopping or sitting about for once?

Such as? Maybe they could transform it into an indoor training complex for Saints!:)

[wee john]

I AM NOW TURNING TO THE IDEA OF A SQUARE NOW AFTER READING ALL THE POSTS.:oops:

[billy butlin beviesbirkie]

Well done john. Get yer pick-axe ready.............!!!!!!

[Baiggers]

Almost a couple of years ago, I got a look at some artist's impression style drawings of what it would look like with the building demolished and a city square type area. I have to say they looked fantastic. Whilst the Council had a public consultation in the St. John's Centre regarding it, the vast majority of poeple under the age of 60 said they would prefer if it was knocked down. Unfortunately it's the moany old bastards who have spare time on their hands to have their opinions recorded and complain all day, meaning they usually end up getting what they want.

[Kevin]

Almost a couple of years ago, I got a look at some artist's impression style drawings of what it would look like with the building demolished and a city square type area. I have to say they looked fantastic. Whilst the Council had a public consultation in the St. John's Centre regarding it, the vast majority of poeple under the age of 60 said they would prefer if it was knocked down. Unfortunately it's the moany old bastards who have spare time on their hands to have their opinions recorded and complain all day, meaning they usually end up getting what they want.

And a lot of them are the ones who come in on the bus from the local villages, don't even stay in the toon!!

[Eric Openshaw]

Knock it down, work there a good few times, but its time to let it go, its a eyesore, just like St Pauls.

[Jimmy Wallace]

Let's ask Ginger to organise a "massive blue & white army sponsored knock the bastard down" day!

[Baiggers]

And a lot of them are the ones who come in on the bus from the local villages, don't even stay in the toon!!

What's that got to do with anything? Is somebody living up Western Edge or Kinnoull Hill moe entitled to their say than someone from Scone or Bridge of Earn? Not in my book but maybe others will disagree? Is this widespread hatred of the villagers from the big city slickers?

[Dev]

And a lot of them are the ones who come in on the bus from the local villages, don't even stay in the toon!!

I'm trying to imagine what the word "toon" sounds like in your accent. Ridiculous, I'd imagine.

[slf]

keep it.turn it into a massive pub with police cells for later when the pub shuts.you could include a riot room in there as well,and let them that want to knock it doon knock themselves doon.after all the council fecked the sandeman up ,so lets have another boozer.right in the heart of town.

[nips]

What's that got to do with anything? Is somebody living up Western Edge or Kinnoull Hill moe entitled to their say than someone from Scone or Bridge of Earn? Not in my book but maybe others will disagree? Is this widespread hatred of the villagers from the big city slickers?


You stay out of this, Scone c***! Wrong side of the water for you to be worrying about it! ;-)

[Baiggers]

You stay out of this, Scone c***! Wrong side of the water for you to be worrying about it! ;-)

You'll never win the palace

[Kevin]

I'm trying to imagine what the word "toon" sounds like in your accent. Ridiculous, I'd imagine.

ROFLMAO, it must be so hard for you to live with yourself being so perfect Dev :wink:

[Corned Beef]

What's your suggestion?

I quite like the idea of making it into a central bus interchange for smaller 'gold' buses from within the city and surrounding areas along with a tourist and local information centre. Perhaps even shift the bus station to this area....

The existing building could be altered to fit this purpose to create a really interesting focal point for Perth.

[Sheldo]

I reckon if it can be salvaged and renovated, then turn it into a massive independent farmers market venue. But not just for the odd market here and there. Have it on every day and every week rotate what farmers are selling so all producers in the area are get an opportunity to sell their produce direct to the customer, thus not having to be ripped off by a supermarket. Everyone bangs on about locally produces food theese days and how bad it is that farmers get ripped off by supermarkets, so why not have a local project to combat this. Perth is, after all, a farming town!

I noticed someone mentioned St Pauls as well.......would have been a great place to open a pub or club at some point, but alas its falling to bits, i think its totally beyond saving. Shame

[Dev]

ROFLMAO, it must be so hard for you to live with yourself being so perfect Dev :wink:

I'm not perfect but I don't feel the need to impersonate someone else's accent (in text!) in order to fit in with them.

[Dev]

I noticed someone mentioned St Pauls as well.......would have been a great place to open a pub or club at some point, but alas its falling to bits, i think its totally beyond saving. Shame

Unfortunately I think the stage will come where it is brought down for safety reasons, which is a shame as it is a landmark in the city centre.

Again, I think it is an example of weak leadership within the council that nothing has ever been done to save it. Is it not twenty years or so since it closed as a church?

[billy butlin beviesbirkie]

What;s the latest news on this monty python scetch? I beleive there is a public meeting in the ak bell library.Anybody going? As i feel it will be full of the blue rinse,kinnoul hill,tory voting keep the empty box brigade.Some young guns should be present to support the (get it down now)squad. I would be there but i;m over 39 and can;t see ma feet fur my belly. Na i will be there singing THESE WALLS COME TUMBELING DOWN NA NA NA !!!!!!!!!:D:D

[The ghost of Jim Morton]

lets burn the thing doon on bonfire night....Burn,Burn,Burn,Burn,Burn,Burn,Burn,Burn,B urn,Burn,Burn,Burn,Burn,Burn........:twisted:

[saint sid]

keep it.turn it into a massive pub with police cells for later when the pub shuts.you could include a riot room in there as well,and let them that want to knock it doon knock themselves doon.after all the council fecked the sandeman up ,so lets have another boozer.right in the heart of town.

The lesser city hall turned into a "riot room" many times during the years when they used to host underage disco`s:D
Also have memories of a shroom trip I took there, ah the memories,
:evil::evil:aaaaaaarrrgh the memories, make them go away:twisted::twisted:

[SaintSam1884]

I think it's a nice building although wouldn't like to put forward any opinions on the proposed future use of it.

[gertiesaints]

Do you think that the congregation of the St Johns Kirk and the council are going to allow football "yobs "to drink and watch football on large screens in Perth City centre, when they won't even allow an Ann Summers in the High St.I think that there has to be a happy medium here, where they need to utilise the building, its not an eyesore and Perth needs some Cultural Hertitage.
You just need to look at Dundee and the Caird Hall and City Sqaure..these buildings are all very similar.

[bobby kemp]

Do you think that the congregation of the St Johns Kirk and the council are going to allow football "yobs "to drink and watch football on large screens in Perth City centre, when they won't even allow an Ann Summers in the High St.I think that there has to be a happy medium here, where they need to utilise the building, its not an eyesore and Perth needs some Cultural Hertitage.
You just need to look at Dundee and the Caird Hall and City Sqaure..these buildings are all very similar.

well said gertie
you just have to look at the photos of some of the great buildings they have leveled. too much drab modern p5sh being put up instead IMO.