Good progress on development projects in Inverness city centre despite coronavirus pandemic
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Progress on developing new homes and other major projects in Inverness city centre despite the coronavirus pandemic has been welcomed by councillors.
Members of the Inverness City and Area Recovery Group commended officers on the work being achieved on a range of infrastructure projects led by Highland Council.
They include the planned transformation of Inverness Castle into a world-class tourist attraction.
Recovery group chairman and Depute Provost of Inverness, Councillor Graham Ross, thanked Malcolm MacLeod, executive chief officer for infrastructure and environment, and Allan Maguire, head of development and regeneration, and their teams for all their hard work and persistence in keeping the pace of development on major infrastructure moving forward.
"Members are delighted to hear that works at the former frozen food store site on Academy Street to develop new city centre homes are on course for completion in early December and that tenants will be moving in early next year," he said.
"It is also good to hear that works are well progressed at the former furniture shop site on Church Street and at the old Chisholm's building on Castle Street.
"Regarding the enabling works at Inverness Castle, officers have updated members that this is also moving forward – with pace – to enable costings to be provided for the main works on the Inverness Castle project."
Members were also informed that work was due to start on site at Union Street and the Victorian Market in early 2021.
Tenders are also due back on the bus link proposals at the Rose Street former foundry site with works due to complete in February 2021.
Cllr Ross added: "While it is difficult to attract private investment to the city centre during a global pandemic, I am particularly pleased that officers have informed us that they are in the process of letting vacant shops units at Upper and Lower Bridge Street at the former tourist information centre and hairdresser’s units.
"I also welcome the information from Mr MacLeod that over the next month the council will be engaging with Inverness councillors and city centre businesses on the disbursement of £200,000 Town Centre Funding to help with city centre recovery.
"Inverness members are committed to supporting the recovery of the city centre through the council’s delivery of major infrastructure projects which we trust will improve the economic impact and vibrancy of Inverness moving forward."
He also thanked city manager, David Haas, for his support to the group in moving its work and outcomes forward which had been invaluable.
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