Contract for £5m renovation of historic Northern Meeting Park in Inverness awarded to Morrison Construction
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The renovation of a "hidden jewel" in Inverness will begin in the New Year with the contract being awarded to Morrison Construction.
Work at the historic Northern Meeting Park will include a new community pavilion, the refurbishment and preservation of the Victorian grandstand, improved access to city centre green space, enhanced sporting and cultural facilities and improved infrastructure for local and major events.
It is one of three projects along the River Ness – the others being Bught Park and Inverness Castle – being supported with almost £20 million from the UK government’s Levelling Up Fund.
More than £5 million has been allocated for the Northern Meeting Park in Ardross Street.
- New designs lodged in planned refurbishment of Meeting Park
- World's first Highland games stadium deemed not fit for use
- Work on multi-million Bught Park redevelopment to start
The three projects are designed to boost the city's sporting and cultural attractions, preserve key heritage assets, help attract more tourists and help in achieving net zero carbon targets.
The Northern Meeting Park was built in 1864 as the world’s first Highland Games stadium but public access remains limited most of the year round with the main regular users being the Northern Counties Cricket Club and local schools.
Malcolm Macleod, Highland Council’s executive chief officer for infrastructure, environment and economy, hoped more people would enjoy the green space and its facilities following the refurbishment.
"Everyone recognises this area is a bit of a hidden jewel for the city centre," he said.
"It is being used by dedicated users at the moment and it isn't demonstrating its full potential.
"It is a major drop-off for cruise buses and very close to the city centre.
"I think the general view is that the facilities are far too important to be left in the current state.
"We want to safeguard the current facility not just for the existing users but we also have our future city centre vision in mind."
Work will begin in January and is due to be completed by December next year.
Donald Mclachlan, managing director of Morrison Construction Highland, said: "We are delighted to have been awarded this important contract and look forward to working closely with Highland Council to deliver the refurbishments at the Northern Meeting Park.
"As always, we aim to maximise the use of local sub-contractors and provide training and apprenticeship opportunities for local people."
He said the work would be programmed to minimise disruption and people would be advised of anything which might be a nuisance.
Inverness city and area leader, Councillor Ian Brown, who co-chairs the Levelling Up Fund Programme Board, said the council was delighted to be working with Morrison Construction and in doing so, delivering on its commitments to work with local companies where possible.
"We need to reduce our carbon emissions to contribute to Scotland’s climate targets," he said. "It’s a huge task but once completed this project will leave a positive environmental legacy for our Highland communities."
He said five years ago, the Northern Meeting Park refurbishment would have seemed a pipe dream.
"For the people and the city, this is fantastic," he said. "Along with the Bught Park and Inverness Castle, it is so positive."
Inverness MP Drew Hendry, who co-chairs the Levelling Up Fund Programme Board, hailed the award of the construction contract as a key milestone.
"The Northern Meeting Park refurbishments are of great significance for Inverness and the
Highlands," he said.
"They will provide modern and energy efficient facilities, supporting a broad range of cultural events and sporting activity for years to come."
UK Government Minister for Scotland Malcolm Offord said the park was one of three projects in the area the UK Government is supporting with £20 million investment, as part of £2.5 billion for levelling-up across Scotland.
