'We need a viable vision for city's future'
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Analysis of how Inverness can be a base camp for tourists visiting the wider Highlands is being called for.
The work could be an important boost for the area as it aims to recover from the pandemic.
Inverness Chamber of Commerce chief executive Stewart Nicol is eager for talks to start.
“We are at the start and finish of the North Coast 500 and our place as the capital of the Highlands is secure, but how do we get tourists to come to the city, experience something of our culture and heritage and use it as a base to explore the rest of the Highlands?” he asked.
Other cities of comparable size had succeeded in changing themselves and Mr Nicol pointed to the remarkable transformation of Dundee, but added that the creativity and the innovation needed must be driven locally.
“Part of that is having a viable vision and strategy that reaches out to not only Scottish and UK governments, but draws international investment into the city because it has so much going for it,” he said.
One prompt for an urgent discussion about the city centre’s future is Debenhams, the anchor store at the city’s Eastgate Shopping Centre – which could soon be empty.
One possible solution might be the long-suggested city centre multiplex cinema.
“That would be great for the city centre but it would be in straight competition with the cinema at Inverness Shopping Park,” Mr Nicol added.
However, former Inverness Provost Jimmy Gray believes Eastgate could have another key entertainment role by transforming its under-used food court into a night-time venue. “Scottish Government guidance is to try and stop having single-purpose buildings and make the best use of them,” said the Inverness Millburn councillor.
“That whole area would benefit by moving into the evening economy.”
Inverness BID manager Mike Smith believes it is important that the city centre offers an interesting mix for residents and visitors.
He is also keen to keep a good balance between national chains and the independents.
“We have got a lot of natural advantages in Inverness,” he said. “We have got the river, we have got the city centre, the cathedral, Eden Court and obviously the existing shopping and hospitality offering.
“We have to ensure that when gaps appear there is a masterplan that replaces them and adds too.
“There are opportunities for housing, as we are seeing around the city centre and that has a role to play. Work on the Arnotts building, which has been empty since I have been in Inverness, is now starting, so there are some very positive investments.”
