Key regeneration projects in Inverness given go ahead
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Two major projects have been given the go ahead as part of a key regeneration project in Inverness city centre.
Highland councillors have approved plans to refurbish the historic Northern Meeting Park and to turn an unsightly toilet block into a green energy centre for Inverness Castle which is being transformed into a world-class visitor attraction.
The decisions, taken at today's south planning applications committee, follows the approval of the developments at Bught Park in December.
The three projects along the River Ness in Inverness are being supported with almost £20 million from the Levelling Up Fund.
Related stories:
- Community pavilion set to be built at historic stadium
- Unsightly toilet block set to be turned into green energy centre
The projects are designed to boost the city’s sporting and cultural attractions, preserve key heritage assets, help attract more tourists and assist in achieving net zero carbon targets.
The plans for the Northern Meeting Park – the world's first Highland games stadium built in 1864 – include building a new pavilion for community use.
The project aims to open up the green space more to the public.
The plan for the redundant toilet block in the Inverness Town House car park will see the partial demolition of the upper level and the creation of a two-storey energy centre housing air-source heat pumps and clad in aluminium louvred-panels.
The existing stairs and adjacent areas will also be upgraded.
Today's decisions have been welcomed by politicians including the UK Government Minister for Scotland, Malcolm Offord, and Inverness MP Drew Hendry.
Mr Offord said the projects were being supported with £20 million funding as part of the UK Government's £2.2 billion investment in levelling-up across Scotland.
"I am pleased that the creation of the Castle Street Energy Centre and the redevelopment of the Northern Meeting Park is progressing to the next stage - taking the project a step closer to delivering a much needed eco-friendly refreshed space for residents and visitors, while retaining the building's important structural heritage," he said.
Highland Council’s Inverness city and area leader, Councillor Ian Brown, co-chairman of the Levelling Up Programme Board, was pleased all three Levelling Up funded project had now received planning approval.
"These projects will provide opportunities for residents and visitors alike to reconnect with these venues, along the River Ness, by offering upgraded infrastructure for leisure and outdoor experiences and better access to community spaces," Cllr Brown said.
"A great deal of work has gone into creating this urban regeneration vision and demonstrates the value that we can deliver toward decarbonisation for the Highlands and sets us on a clear path for the future."
Inverness MP and fellow co-chairman Drew Hendry said the projects could move to the next stage of the "exciting" development.
"Alongside the restoration of a unique heritage building at Northern Meeting Park, there will be the addition of new sustainable buildings which will protect and celebrate both our past and living culture and importantly allow us to continue working closely with local communities, who are often the custodians of those assets.
"The added benefit will be to visitors of Inverness, a forward-thinking, dynamic city renowned for both its modern and traditional cultural experiences."
