New development in Inverness city centre reaches important milestone

A topping out ceremony has been held at Wyvern House in Academy Street.

Once completed the development on the site of the former Farmfoods supermarket will boast 37 new flats along with commercial units on the ground floor.

A topping out ceremony traditionally marks the reaching of the highest point of work for a project.

Joined by representatives from Morrison Construction and Highland Housing Alliance (HHA), Inverness provost Helen Carmichael cut through the strap linking a tower crane to the roof of the development to mark the occasion.

Work on the new flats and shop space began in April and is expected to be completed next summer.

Donald McLachlan, managing director of Morrison Construction Highland, said: "Since the installation of the tower crane in July progress has been swift. With the steel frame complete and enveloping works underway the public can now appreciate how this fantastic development will fit into the city centre of Inverness."

Cllr Carmichael said: "This is an important milestone for the project and I am delighted to see how well work on the new homes is progressing. Having quality affordable homes for people to live in at this prime site will transform Academy Street and the surrounding area and complements all the other projects that are going on to regenerate this part of our city."

Gail Matheson,chief executive of HHA, said: "This is an exciting project using an innovative construction system which will see more mid-market rental homes being delivered for the city centre as well as affordable rent."

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