The game-changing impact of transforming existing buildings into new homes, modern business spaces and visitor attractions was a key focus at the Scotland’s Towns Conference.

Delegates discussed how the power of public and private partnerships is critical in creating the circumstances and attracting the finance needed to drive development, enhance sustainability and build community wealth.

The sell-out conference - with the theme of Investing in Our Assets for Sustainable Towns of the Future - was held at Perth Concert Hall.

Scotland’s minister for employment and investment, Tom Arthur MSP, delivered the opening address.

He said: “Using existing assets is key to re-imagining and revitalising our town and city centres.

“This ambition is backed by a strong policy framework, including the Scottish Government’s commitment to the Town Centre First Principle and delivery of our Town Centre Action Plan.

“We continue to engage with local government and other partners to explore innovative ways of working together to support thriving town centres that are resilient, sustainable and meet the needs of their local communities.”

The conference, organised by Scotland’s Towns Partnership (STP) in association with Perth & Kinross Council, highlighted the importance of cultural, built, and natural assets in driving economic, social, and environmental progress.

Hosted by broadcaster Rona Dougall, it was attended by major players in town centre regeneration, including community organisations as well as experts in enterprise, housing, design, development, culture and retail.

They heard how the problems of neglected or under-used buildings and other sites can create new development opportunities to improve the appearance of town centres, enhance community pride and boost the economy by creating new places in which people can live, work and visit.

STP chief officer Kimberley Guthrie said: “Town centre regeneration is fundamental to driving economic growth. But we know it is not easy. There are many challenges and barriers to development which often need to be overcome.

“Every community is unique. There’s no one-size-fits-all route to success and sustainability. What most places have in common, however, is the increasingly important need for collaboration between public, private and voluntary organisations in order to achieve anything at scale.

“More innovative approaches to investment and funding, including cross-sector partnerships, are needed in order to deliver change. This includes in fulfilling the true potential of buildings and other assets which are already there, but need to be made fit for the future.

Not only has the former City Hall undergone a £27 million transformation into the showpiece Perth Museum, but other regeneration initiatives include a Council-led taskforce which is transforming abandoned and neglected sites by helping to identify funding and other avenues to make that work possible. Its current projects include town centre homes as well as a social hub, enterprise space and an office.

Some delegates took part in a walking tour of Perth - to see some of the work for themselves - as the day got underway.

“We are working hard to share inspirational examples and make connections so that people leave the conference energised and ready to take action to make a positive difference.”

The conference has been held against the backdrop of significant action in Perth - and throughout the wider region - to enhance its historic assets and transform derelict buildings.

Councillor Grant Laing, leader of Perth & Kinross Council, also spoke at the conference.

He said: “Perth has many advantages in these challenging times for town centres and it was a privilege to be able to showcase these at the Scotland’s Towns Conference.

“From our strong tradition of independent retailers to how the Council has made a commitment to being creative and innovative in both how we make use of our own buildings and in supporting businesses and property owners to do the same.

“I hope that everyone attending the conference was inspired by their visit to Perth and I look forward to welcoming back many of those delegates who expressed an interest in finding out more about our local approaches.”

David O’Neil, chief commercial officer with Perth-based fintech Miconex, highlighted how local economic initiatives such as the Scotland Loves Local Gift Card, which it delivers in partnership with STP, can help increase community wealth.

He said: “Harnessing the skills and abilities of individuals, the strength of communities and the power of public and private partnerships is essential to building wealth within our communities, and the trailblazing Scotland Loves Local Gift Card epitomises this. 

“More than 6,000 Scottish businesses are now part of the initiative, which is fast becoming the gift of choice for Scottish employers, enabling companies to take an active role in the success of their communities.

“The introduction of new technology to enable organisations to gift the card to their employees digitally is key to our mission of making support for local simple so we can build stronger communities.”

International examples were also in the spotlight, with Maria Jaakkola, head of research and development in Urban Space and Landscape with the City of Helsinki authority in Finland sharing her experiences.

STP is the voice of the nation’s towns, championing their place at the heart of the nation and advocating their pivotal role in a stronger and more sustainable future. It is the parent organisation of Scotland’s Improvement Districts and spearheads the Scotland Loves Local initiative as a means to boost local economies and improve places by galvanising support for the people and businesses in them.