New housing development in Academy Street, Inverness nears completion
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When Farmfoods moved out of Inverness city centre around three years ago, the building’s owner approached Highland Council to see if it could help with its redevelopment.
The Wyvern House project in Academy Street – which will provide a mix of residential and retail use – is almost finished and it is due to be completed later this year.
As well as shop units on the ground floor, the development, which has been carried out by Morrison Construction for the council and Highland Housing Alliance, will include 37 new one and two-bedroom flats for rent.
Allan Maguire, the council’s head of development and regeneration, said the project fitted in with the wider regeneration work happening in the Academy Street area.
He said he helped the owner to get planning permission for the site’s redevelopment and he had also approached the Scottish Government to see what funding was available.
“It’s part of the whole Academy Street project,” he said. “It has revitalised Academy Street over the last couple of years and the landscaping will be next with funding from Sustrans – that’s the next big challenge for Academy Street.”
Part of the landscaping work could involve widening the area’s pavements and Mr Maguire said, when the work was completed in the area, it would make a “huge difference” for residents and visitors.
Work at the former Farmfoods site began last April and the original building was demolished so construction could begin.
The development received funding from various sources including the Scottish Government and City Region Deal.
Other Academy Street projects include the historic AI Welders building, the Blackfriars pub and hotel developments.
