WITH Perth city centre hosting a crowd-pulling event to toast the Christmas lights switch-on, we pulled out all the stops to ensure the first phase of the Mill Street contract was completed and the Horsecross area was ready to host an ice pad and an Abba tribute band.
The Kilmac team always had the November 19 date marked in our diaries, with Perth and Kinross Council’s programme for various city centre stages featuring bands like Slade and East 17, along with Professor Green and DJ Wayne Hemingway.
Our dedicated and expanded team ensured the makeover for the Skinnergate and the Horsecross Plaza directly in front of Perth Concert Hall met the deadline.
That provided some early Christmas cheer for affected businesses, which have been kept informed every step of the way with regular progress reports.
Communication with the various businesses in the neighbourhood was important, particularly with unanticipated delays prompted by the discovery of a concrete raft in the Skinnergate and a four week hold-up for the delivery of granite from China.
Managing director Athole McDonald and some of the Kilmac team marked the completion of the firstl phase of work in Perth’s new “Cultural Quarter” with a press photocall.
Cath Todd, owner of Nikki’s Lite Bite, was among those impressed by the professionalism of our workforce.
Cath told the local press: “The Kilmac lads built-up a head of steam in recent weeks and the Skinnergate now looks lovely. It certainly improves the links to the Concert Hall.
“Obviously trade was affected but it had all been planned and you just have to grin and bear it. The Kilmac team were very helpful, not only supporting us at lunchtime but helping with our deliveries. They really went the extra mile.”
Athole said: “We have thanked all the businesses impacted by the development work for their patience and understanding.
“We always knew it was crucial that the transformation of the Horsecross area was completed in advance of the Festive Season. So in recent weeks we assigned more than 30 staff to the project. They pulled out all the stops to see it through.”
The second phase of the £1.5 million Mill Street contract now goes on hold until the New Year, ensuring local businesses are not impacted over the Festive season.
