Perth and Kinross Deputy Leader, Councillor Eric Drysdale, said: "Our thoughts remain with the family and friends of the person who tragically lost their life in this terrible incident, and with all the other people affected.
"Since the fire, Scottish Fire and Rescue, Police Scotland and Council staff have been on site to ensure the safety of the wider public.
"On Saturday 14 June a structural engineering contractor was brought in to assess the damage caused to the building at 41 Scott Street.
"Their report outlined devastating damage to the whole building. The structure has been made unsafe and no part of it is salvageable. As things stand, the building is a serious risk to health and safety.
"Unfortunately, this means that the whole building will require complete demolition. This will be an extremely complex process, and specialist demolition contractor Reigart has been appointed to carry out the task. Preliminary work has already begun on site.
"The building will require careful demolition from the top, down to ground level and this will take some time to complete. It is estimated that the work could take around 24 weeks, but it is possible that it could be concluded earlier if there are no complications.
"To allow the work to be carried out safely, pedestrian and traffic access to sections of Scott Street and South Street around the site will remain closed. We appreciate that this will cause continued significant disruption in Perth City Centre, but unfortunately this is unavoidable given the situation we face."
Ongoing arrangements
The closure means that some households who live in blocks very near the site have been asked to move out of their homes while demolition work is carried out to ensure their safety. These people will be provided with alternative suitable housing, as well as any other support they need at this difficult time. To assist with the rehousing effort, the Council is asking any local landlords or AirBnB owners to get in touch with us if they have accommodation that is currently available. They can contact our Housing Team by emailing privatesectoraccess@pkc.gov.uk
It is hoped some of these people will be able to move back into their homes after 16 weeks, when demolition work has progressed and the building will be of a safe height. People who live in the block directly adjacent to number 41 (number 33) will have to be rehoused for the entire duration of the work.
Some other households who live further away from the fire site but who still live inside the cordon have been asked to leave their homes for the short-term. We are aiming to allow these people back into their homes soon.
The Council will support businesses who will be affected by the road closures. We have been speaking to them today to see what arrangements can be put in place to help. This support will continue and develop throughout the duration of the closure. Anyone who needs to speak to our Business Support Team can email businessdevelopment@pkc.gov.uk
It is hoped that the outer cordon can be reduced in the near future, which would allow some businesses to reopen and some people to return to their homes.
A new road traffic configuration for Perth city centre is being designed to allow the free flow of traffic as far as we can, and to provide delivery access to premises. We will provide an update with these arrangements.
Buses will be re-routed, and some temporary stops will be put into the city centre. Signage will be in place so that people know where they can get their bus.
Councillor Drysdale added: "The people of Perth and local businesses have responded to this sad event with huge compassion and generosity. It has been heartening to see our local community pull together to help people at their time of greatest need.
"We would appreciate everyone's ongoing co-operation and understanding as we deal with this difficult situation.
"We understand that the disruption to the city centre will bring frustrations, but we are committed to completing the work as soon as we can and most importantly, to continue support for the people and businesses who have been directly affected by the fire.
"I would once again like to pay tribute to our emergency services for their continued excellent response to this incident, as well as to the wide range of Council and Health and Social Care Partnership staff who rose to a significant challenge over the weekend to provide all the support and help that they could. I also want to pass on my sincere gratitude to the staff at the Salutation Hotel and Red Cross volunteers, who have been superb in working with us to make sure that people affected had the care they needed in the aftermath of the fire."
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