| In an application submitted to Perth and Kinross Council, the supermarket giant says the development could create 500 full and part-time jobs as well as those created during construction.
The proposal for the former agricultural mart site on Crieff Road is for a 102,000 sq ft retail unit, 778 parking spaces and a six-pump filling station.
Sainsbury’s says it has identified a “clear market demand” for what would be its first foray into Perth, part of a drive to increase its presence in Scotland.
It says an assessment found the impact of the development on the city centre would be minimal.
“In short, the health check has revealed that Perth city centre is in a strong position,” a consultant’s report says. “The number of vacant units within Perth is 7% and is comfortably lower than the UK average (10.35%).
“The existing retail is varied with a strong, balanced offering of multinational and local/niche retailers.”
A major local concern is that a large development would exacerbate existing traffic problems on Crieff Road.
The application embraces plans for the current access off the A85 to be upgraded and other work to alleviate the pressure of increased traffic.
Sainsbury’s says its intention is to provide a “modern, crisp and uncluttered building” with a contemporary feel. |
