£13m revamp for Inverness Retail Park "to create 180 jobs"
PLANS for a £13m revamp of Inverness Retail Park which could create up to 180 jobs have been lodged with Highland Council.
Proposals include the conversion of the vacant Comet shop, which has lain empty since the company went into administration, into three new restaurants.
Plans to upgrade existing shops and parking facilities are also part of the scheme, including new frontages to increase natural light into shops.
Improved landscaping, better access for car drivers and cyclists, and an increase in parking spaces are also planned, as well as a plat area, toilets and changing facilities.
The three restaurants earmarked for the vacant Comet site are understood to be Frankie and Benny’s, TGI Fridays and Nandos.
The retail park said the firms have indicated they would also consider opening in the city centre.
Inverness Retail Park said its location next to the new Inverness College UHI campus made it an ideal source of part-time employment for students, as well as providing a selection of places to eat.
The retail park's manager, Kirsteen Gunn, said: “We have a great range of shops and leisure facilities here, but we need to make improvements to the facilities to meet the expectations of the modern shopper.
“We hope the planners and councillors will look carefully at our analysis of potential impacts and allow us to create a better experience for our local customers and our staff, as well as visitors. We believe these improvements will be a positive move for the city and should be welcomed.”
Ms Gubb was appointed earlier this year as the retail park’s first manager.
The retail park, which was built in 1996, is home to the Vue cinema, a fitness centre as well as a range of shops selling everything from electrical goods and gardening equipment to fashion and cosmetics.
