Perth eco-development takes a step closer

Perth West, birds eye view

SCOTLAND’S largest carbon-neutral development, Perth West, has taken a step closer as the full planning application has been submitted.

The John Dewar Lamberkin Trust has submitted proposals for a mixed-use development as a sustainable expansion to the city of Perth including plans for a national innovation business park and some 1,500 homes, leisure and educational provision supported by a smart energy grid.

The Perth West project will be a catalyst for the ambition to become the most sustainable small city in Europe and will have a transformative effect on the economy of Scotland.

The economic analysis submitted with the application shows that the investment will support 1,285 construction jobs, generating a one-off boost of £118.7m.

Once complete the 25-hectare Perth Eco Innovation Park in Perth West is forecast to contribute £65m GVA per year to the Perthshire economy and create over 1,000 FTE skilled jobs.

A mobility hub will host parking and car sharing facilities, electric charging points for cars and bikes, a medical centre and a bus service as well as connecting Perth West into the Perth city centre network.

Key to the project is the Perth Innovation Highway: an integrated energy, data and road corridor connecting the development to Perth city centre and enabling logistics businesses, public transport operators, industrial and manufacturing businesses and residents to access low-carbon, smart energy and mobility infrastructure. UK government funding through the Tay Cities Deal has unlocked £5m for this element of Perth West.

Residential development will employ a Designing Streets approach to promote active travel and public transport.  Three neighbourhood centres, connected by a pedestrian and cycle-friendly street network in each neighbourhood will offer local facilities and bus connections.

Alexander Dewar, of the John Dewar Lamberkin Trust, said:  “This is the culmination of eight years of planning and collaborative research to support the growth of Perth through investment in infrastructure and land that enables climate change adaptation, skilled employment opportunities and public amenities for the city and region.

“As a consequence of the Covid-19 crisis we must urgently rebuild our economy and create jobs, but in a manner that addresses the graver challenge of climate change.

“The Scottish government has committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 75% by 2030. We should take the initiative now and invest in the green economy which will address both issues. Evidence from the recession of 2008 shows that green stimulus policies proved more effective to economic recovery than traditional approaches.” 

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