Perth and Kinross Council wants to fashion a ‘creative exchange’ within the city’s former St John’s Primary on Stormont Street aimed at nurturing up-and-coming talent.

In use as a temporary storage facility for the past six years the authority was approached by Workshop and Artists Studio Provision Scotland (WASPS) with a view to creating a mix of artist studios and offices, prompting the council to undertake work to upgrade the building for their requirements.

This will entail a number of internal layout alterations to the existing fabric to allow creation of studio spaces, a large picture window and revamped public entrance while an existing internal courtyard will be infilled to create new hot desking, toilet and café facilities.

Other facilities on offer will include a large basement teaching room for public workshops and classes accessible via a new lift from the front reception, from which a small gallery and project room can also be reached.

Famous Grouse owner Edrington is investing £500,000 into the project.

The proposal will go to public consultation over the coming days.

In submitted paperwork, a council spokesman said that the area was zoned for housing in the Local Development Plan.

“Perth and Kinross Council have carried out two feasibility studies to provide small housing units on the site,” he said. “Neither of these have proved viable.

“Sale of the building to a private developer was not successful either.”

He said: “The empty school building soon became a target for vandals and also an eyesore for the area.”

The spokesman added: “The council and WASPS have carried out several public meetings and consultations in the past two years.

“The majority of the responses were positive and the public was in favour of the development.

“Redevelopment of the school as an art hub is also welcomed by the arts community of Perth, as there is no such facility within the area.”