Detailed plans of the first phase of Springfield Properties’ £1 billion Bertha Park development have been approved by Perth and Kinross Council.

First phase proposals for this major expansion of Perth include 1,061 new homes, commercial buildings and leisure and recreation areas.

As well as the new homes and buildings Springfield’s plans detail where new cycle paths and walking routes into Perth will run, and where a new network of roads will be built. The plans also show where Bertha Park’s new secondary school, scheduled to open in August 2019, will be built for Perth and Kinross Council. A primary school is planned for a later date.

Bertha Park will be built over 30 years, creating more than 2,000 new jobs and sustaining hundreds more in the local area. The first new home owners are expected to move into Bertha Park in mid-2018. The development of phase one of Bertha Park is expected to begin in 2017, with new homes including private, affordable and retirement accommodation being built to suit a wide range of needs.

Springfield’s managing director, Innes Smith, said: “We are delighted that Perth and Kinross Council has recognised the quality of the Bertha Park proposal with this consent. Perth is a very attractive place to live and work. Not surprisingly the city is one of the fastest growing places in Scotland. We are committed to enabling that expansion with homes, business and leisure opportunities over the next thirty years. Already we have spent five years developing this plan.

“The plan provides everything a growing community needs. It is important that there are homes for every age and stage. From two bedroom apartments above shops and restaurants, to five bedroom homes overlooking a loch. There will be lots of options to suit all budgets. Homes for sale, homes for private and mid-market rental and homes for rent through housing associations; all are proposed. Many of the homes have been designed especially to suit the site. And all homes are designed to be very energy efficient, keeping bills low for householders.

“We are looking forward to introducing new householders to our award winning homes towards the end of 2017. Early house styles will be similar to those which can be seen on our developments today. New home buyers will benefit from Springfield’s promise to build an individual home. As well as a price which includes everything our customers need to move into a complete home. From the full range of kitchen appliances, fitted wardrobes and carpets, to turf and even the garden tap.”