Scottish Canals' £4.5 million Treehouse community hub project opens doors in Inverness
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A MULTI-million pound project is set to benefit a number of community groups in Inverness.
Scottish Canals' £4.5 million Treehouse project is newly-completed and is set to enable a number of community groups to come together under one roof.
Located between the Carse Industrial Estate and the canal, the building will allow a number of organisations to come together under one roof to provide a space for offices, workshops, volunteering and community groups for those living around South Kessock, Merkinch, Scorguie and Dalneigh.
The project, which also included towpath and greenspace improvements in and around the area, was made possible by Scottish Canals and a number of funding partners – including European cash and money from Highland Council and the Scottish Government.
Scottish Canals has also recently appointed a volunteer co-ordinator who will help develop a programme of activities with partners to benefit the whole community.
Related: Work delayed on the historic Caledonian Canal in the Highlands at the Muirtown Basin near Inverness
The two-storey building also includes some space for commercial tenants to ensure long term financial sustainability for the project.
Tricia Hill, head of placemaking at Scottish Canals, said: “Thanks to funding from European Regional Development Fund and NatureScot Scottish Canals has been able to appoint a volunteer co-ordinator. The role will allow us to engage with local organisations to help benefit from the new building and outdoor environment. As a new energy efficient building, which includes a green roof, the building also contributes to Scottish Canals net zero ambitions.
"Over the coming months we are planning to work with a number of local groups these will include Merckinch Local Nature Reserve, the local canoe club and Sea Scouts. We would be looking at working with all community groups to include nature walks, litter picks, bat and bird watching, bio-diversity sessions and heritage talks.
"This mixed use of commercial and community value ensures the long term sustainability of the building and helps Scottish Canals during challenging financials times.”
Eleanor Macdonald, grant manager for Sustrans Scotland, which was also one of the project funders alongside Transport Scotland, said: “The completion of the Treehouse as part of this project will not only provide a vital community space for those living and working in the surrounding area, it also connects to an improved path which runs along the Caledonian Canal and links with Merkinch Local Nature Reserve where further accessibility improvements have been made.”
NatureScot’s Structural Funds Projects Communications Officer Jim Jeffrey said: “It’s fantastic to see the Treehouse opening its doors to the local community, and we’re pleased to have helped support a project which will also bring biodiversity and habitat improvements.
"This is a great example of how the European Regional Development Fund helps projects to invest in communities. Connecting people and nature, particularly in urban areas, brings so many health and wellbeing benefits and it’s great to see more people enjoying spending time outdoors in green spaces.”
For more details on the Treehouse contact treehouse@scottishcanals.co.uk
