Perth Creative Exchange
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Summary
Breathing new life into an old school building
The £4.5m refurbishment transformed a former school building which had lain empty for nearly a decade into Perth’s first creative hub for local artists, makers and creative businesses.
The original classroom layout was altered to make way for a mix of 26 studio spaces, 13 workspaces, business incubation, exhibition space, and cafe, over three floors.
Externally, the building's key features were preserved including reuse of bricks for repairs while, internally, the original school sinks remain a feature throughout the building.
Already fully let to local artists and people working in the creative industries on opening its doors, the facility expects to support over sixty jobs and generate wage earnings of just under £1m across the local economy.
The project was developed through hub East Central Scotland, which brings together the expertise of public and private sector organisations to deliver better local services.
Key facts
- Internal reconfiguration including infill of courtyard to add floorspace.
- Relocation of main entrance and lift installed in reception area.
- Full refurbishment of the existing mechanical plant and electrical services.
- Extensive drainage improvements.
Community focus
- Over 80% of operatives from local area.
- Raising awareness of careers in construction.
- Kitchen equipment donated to local enterprise start-up.
- Strips donated to local football team.
- Chairs and tables donated to local nursery.
