Inverness Strategy: The Victorian Market redevelopment is central to future of the city centre by bringing a 'contemporary European style food hall' to attract footfall
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HIGHLAND Council’s draft Inverness Strategy was prompted in part to maximise a wave of investment flowing into the city from both the private and public sectors.
One of the projects seen as having a potentially huge impact is the refurbishment of the Victorian Market which aims to create what is described as a “vibrant transformed food-led attractor”.
Just last week the local authority confirmed that good progress is being made on the redevelopment, with it expected to open in the first part of next year amid hopes it will breathe new life into the heart of the Highland capital.
The project seeks to create “a contemporary European style food hall within the much-loved historic setting of the Victorian Market (the main market hall and the fish hall).”
It will house food operators and complimentary businesses where the “theatre” of food preparation is celebrated, with a particular focus on promoting regional produce.
The strategy states: “The central space, the hub of the development, houses shared seating and is a flexible covered civic space which adapts at different times of the day to hold specific one-off and seasonal events.
“The layout and the operation of this development will support and nurture operators and incubate businesses.
“The new food hall will have a regenerative effect on the arcade markets and the immediate town centre and be a vibrant focal point for the wider community.
“In particular it is intended to anchor onto and contribute to the night time economy of Church Street and the vibrant smaller businesses clustered on Market Lane.”
Chairwoman of the Victorian Market Stakeholder Group, Councillor Isabelle Mackenzie, said: “This exciting new development is proceeding as planned. We have been in discussion with a variety of local businesses, who are keen to be part of this beloved city centre landmark.”
The refurbishment has already turned up a number of interesting finds including a quarter bottle of vodka sealed under a floor by a tradesman from Shetland.
The a note inside is dated 1967 – the same year the Beatles released Sergeant Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band.
The note read: “J. T. T. Thomson. Mason. Murness, Uyeasound, Unst, Shetland. Inverness address 40 Deny St. Age 41.
“Finished building and tiling 20.6.67.”
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