SRA Ventures has formally submitted a planning application to Perth and Kinross Council for the redevelopment of the long derelict former ABP site on Strathtay Road, Perth. The proposal seeks permission for the erection of 162 architecturally designed Strongholds modular storage units, extensive landscaping and associated works. This marks one of the most significant brownfield regeneration opportunities in the Crieff Road Commercial Centre in decades, as confirmed in the submitted Location Plan .
The site has remained vacant for close to 20 years and is now in a state of extreme deterioration. Independent surveys describe the structure as beyond economic repair, with severe water ingress, structural instability, asbestos concerns and suspected RAAC within the roof structure. Years of neglect have resulted in extensive vermin and rodent infestation, creating ongoing public health concerns for neighbouring residents and businesses. The Safer Community Warden for the area has urged that the building be demolished and secured as a matter of urgency, as outlined in the submitted Planning Statement .
Under the plans, the dangerous structure will be demolished and replaced with a state of the art modular self storage facility. The development may operate under SRA Ventures’ Locked Self Storage brand or its external drive up Boxxs Self Storage brand, both of which form part of the company’s wider Scottish expansion strategy. The submitted Operational Plan of Management confirms that the facility will deliver a modern, low impact and digitally managed customer experience .
Key elements of the proposal include:
• 162 purpose built Strongholds units
High specification modular units constructed using powder coated steel panels with concealed fixings. Each unit is insulated with aerogel, an advanced material originally developed by NASA for spacecraft thermal protection. The units will be finished in Agate Grey with Anthracite trims to deliver a clean and contemporary appearance suited to a prominent commercial frontage.
• Advanced digital access and security
The facility will operate with secure QR code gate entry and smartphone controlled digital locks providing full audit trails and time limited access permissions. Remote monitoring and automated onboarding create an efficient, safe and low contact operating model.
• Landscape and biodiversity improvements
The mature northern tree line will be retained. A new landscaped western boundary will include native shrubs, wildflower planting and pollinator friendly species, forming a continuous green corridor and delivering measurable biodiversity gain on a site that previously had none.
• Secure perimeter and 24 hour monitored environment
The full site boundary will be enclosed by a 2 metre palisade fence. A comprehensive CCTV system will operate around the clock with remote monitoring integrated into the digital access system, replacing a structure that has long attracted antisocial behaviour.
• Very low traffic impact
Self storage facilities generate minimal vehicle movements. UK Self Storage Association data shows that most customers visit less than once per month. Independent Transport Statement analysis confirms that the development will have no adverse impact on the local road network.
• Reuse of existing concrete slab
Where possible the existing ground slab will be reused, significantly reducing excavation, waste and carbon impact while bringing a long neglected brownfield site back into safe and productive use.
The proposals directly address the longstanding blight, public safety risks and vermin infestation caused by the former ABP building. If approved, the development will transform the site into a clean, secure and well managed facility that meets growing residential and business demand for high quality storage solutions in Perth.
The Strathtay Road facility represents a further step in SRA Ventures’ modular storage expansion and reinforces the company’s commitment to responsible and sustainable regeneration across Scotland.
