Feedback on initial designs for redevelopment of Northern Meeting Park and Bught Park in Inverness 'positive and constructive', says Highland Council

Public feedback on initial designs for two redevelopment projects in Inverness has been positive and constructive, according to Highland Council.

The comments will now be fed into ongoing design work for the Northern Meeting Park and Bught Park.

A total of £5.2 million is earmarked for the meeting park, including refurbishment of the grandstand and a new pavilion.

An allocation of £7.1 million has been set to refurbish the Bught Park Stadium grandstand, and build an interactive museum of shinty and improved infrastructure for more large-scale outdoor events.

Both include ground source heating and are supported by the UK government’s Levelling Up Fund.

The initial designs were recently unveiled as part of a public consultation.

But the community-led Northern Meeting Park Group has voiced disappointment at the proposals for the historic park and does not believe they go far enough in opening up the green space to the public.

Highland Council’s infrastructure, environment and economy executive chief officer Malcolm MacLeod said initial designs for both the Bught Park and Northern Meeting Park were developed with input from community groups, sports organisations, event organisers and neighbours.

"We were very pleased with the turnout and the public feedback, which was extremely positive and constructive, and those comments will be fed back into our ongoing work on the designs," he said.

"We will also be incorporating continued stakeholder input as we move to the next stage. "Recommendations for what more can be done at the Northern Meeting Park will be considered as part of the feedback, and we will continue to seek additional external funding to enhance the existing proposals.

"Work is also ongoing to develop plans for the operation of both venues to maximise their ability to support as many different user groups in the newly refurbished and enhanced facilities when they open.

"We will continue to work with our stakeholders to develop these plans."

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