Geoff Brown, the founder of St Madoes-based firm GS Brown Construction, said he has watched the local authority champion various schemes down the years which have been intended to enhance the health of the local economy.

But the former owner of St Johnstone FC believes a quick win could be secured by investing council cash in acquiring long-vacant flats in the heart of the Fair City.

Mr Brown explained: “It’s all very well turning the old City Hall into the Perth Museum and talking about leisure projects like the one now being proposed for Thimblerow or reinventing the shopping mall. But the easiest and cheapest way to liven up the city centre is to bring people back in by providing more homes, and that means flats.

“I believe there are nearly 1,000 properties lying empty within the city boundary, including around 200 flats which could be brought back to life by using the council’s Compulsory Purchase powers.

“Many years ago myself and the late John Kernahan, the former Perthshire Housing Association chief executive, highlighted the potential in this approach to the council planners of the day. It was met with a positive response but the make-up of the council is very different nowadays and most of the officers have long since retired or moved on.

“I know that money is tight for councils these days but I’m convinced they’d get better value for money in terms of affordable housing and at the same time reintroduce more people to city centre living, which would hugely benefit all manner of businesses. It would be a win-win scenario.”

Mr Brown said neglected properties were often acquired years ago by major pension funds, with many unaware they even owned flats above retail units.

“It’s ridiculous that what would be perfectly good homes given some investment to bring them up to modern standards are left vacant and allowed to fall into a state of disrepair when there is such an obvious need for housing. Younger folk in particular are keen to live near shops, bars and restaurants - and they wouldn’t need cars, which would tick another box for the council.

“When I was young I remember being moved from a flat which was compulsorily purchased for redevelopment in Market Street.

“It would be easy for the council to find out who owns empty properties and I’m sure many of the owners would be happy to accept an offer. And a Compulsory Purchase Order could come into play where required.

“A public-private sector partnership would ensure the council’s affordable housing budget can stretch much further and bring immediate benefits to a city centre which has seen better days.”