Inverness man’s plan would turn Spectrum Centre into the The Creation Space: the city centre’s creative hub and sociable antidote to boozy nightlife culture
A concerned Inverness resident has devised an intriguing proposal for reviving the Spectrum Centre as a sociable antidote to the city’s boozy night economy.
Daniel Hall’s vision would see the recently-closed Farraline Park building transformed into a creative evening venue he would call The Creation Space.
It would be an alcohol-free, late-night creative hub in the heart of Inverness providing a platform for art, music, writing and workshops.
The 53-year-old tech worker and former social and environmental projects officer, originally from Australia but an Inverness resident for over a decade, believes it would help reverse what he sees as years of steady decline and disinvestment in the heart of Inverness.
By making it attractive to a different demographic than is currently catered for at bars and nightspots, The Creation Space could, he says, be a catalyst to revitalise the city centre.
Daniel wants to further promote the idea after being heartened by positive feedback to a post he put on our social media pages following the community centre’s closure late last month.
He believes there would be many benefits to the city from re-imagining the Spectrum Centre as “a vibrant evening hub for creativity, community, and connection”.
Highland Council has already urged local people to come forward with ideas for the future of the once much-loved and heavily-used premises.
The Spectrum Centre had offered a 156-seat theatre, a mirrored dance studio, meeting rooms for hire, and the Hidden Gem Coffee Shop with a children's play area.
A Barclays Local banking branch also controversially rented space within the community building is set to follow suit.
Daniel, who has founded a group called The Creation Space, said: “Following a response I posted below the Courier’s September 6 article regarding the closure of the Spectrum Centre, and the encouraging replies I received, I decided to develop the idea further and share this vision.
“I wrote about a late-night café, with no alcohol, a place to hang out and be creative.
“The closure of the Spectrum Centre reflects a broader story of decline in Inverness.
“The infrastructure of Inverness is deteriorating faster than uranium-235. The A9 is three decades behind schedule, the Ironworks isn’t coming back and the recent cancellation of the Red Hot Highland Fling Hogmanay event only adds to the sense of decline.
“Our goal isn’t just to reopen a building, it’s to reignite community life, create meaningful jobs and help restore confidence in our city.
“Inverness risks losing not just people, but its spirit. We want to change that.”
With Daniel sceptical as to the likelihood of Highland Council or the Scottish Government investing in the building in a positive way, he would like members of the community to take the initiative.
He said: “Launching as soon as possible, The Creation Space would operate six nights a week, from 8pm, transforming the currently empty Spectrum Centre into a warm, welcoming space.
“The venue would serve locally-sourced coffee, cakes and cold drinks in collaboration with independent cafés that typically close early. I’ve already reached out to some of the owners to share the vision and invite their involvement.
“But the space would be far more than just a café. It would host art, music, writing sessions, creative workshops, and other events, offering a much-needed alternative in a city centre defined by shuttered storefronts and fading footfall.
“I envisage the project generating paid evening roles, including café staff, creative facilitators, event coordinators, and support positions - with a focus on those who may otherwise struggle to find employment.
“The Creation Space would be committed to partnering with local cafés, arts organisations, charities, and mental health services to tackle food waste, promote sustainable livelihoods, and renew Inverness’s cultural heartbeat.
“As local organisations lose their spaces, shops vanish, and families consider leaving, The Creation Space would offer a hopeful, practical alternative - a reason to stay, and a reason to believe.
“This isn’t just about frustration - it’s about hope and action. It’s time for the people of Inverness to take control of their city's future.”
Daniel plans to launch a crowdfunder and organise a public launch event in a bid to turn his idea into a cohesive campaign group, with an announcement on dates likely in coming weeks.
He is encouraging potential volunteers, partners, and collaborators - and promoting a GoFundMe campaign to raise essential funds to turn this dream into “a sustainable, self-supporting social enterprise”.