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Inverness city centre site earmarked for new restaurant? Plans to convert former HSPC estate agency site in Queensgate lodged with Highland Council





The site of the former HSPC branch in Queensgate could become a restaurant under new plans lodged with Highland Council. Picture: Philip Murray.
The site of the former HSPC branch in Queensgate could become a restaurant under new plans lodged with Highland Council. Picture: Philip Murray.

A new restaurant could open in a prominent Inverness city centre site after plans were lodged with Highland Council.

Highland businessman Mohamed Mohamed, of G & M Properties, is seeking permission to convert the former HSPC estate agency branch in Queensgate into an eatery.

A “change of use” application has been submitted to enable the building to operate as a restaurant instead of offices.

It is not known what restaurant could operate at the site, but layout drawings lodged with the application suggest the new eatery would be capable of seating up to 56 diners at any one time.

HSPC recently vacated its Queensgate branch and is “now digital” via its website at hspc.co.uk, while also maintaining an office suite in Academy Street.

It is not the first time G&M Properties has sought ‘change of use’ permission for a restaurant in a city centre location.

Last year it successfully applied to turn a former charity shop in Drummond Street into an eatery. On that occasion, the permission was intended to enable the expansion of the existing Oriental Choice restaurant and Lucky Bowl takeaway on the first floor of 25 Union Street round the corner.

That plan was to link the existing first floor restaurant at 25 Union Street via an internal stairway and create a reception area, additional seating, and all ability toilet facilities in the Drummond Street premises.

However, at the time of writing, the Drummond Street site is occupied by Easy Shop, which sells sweets and crisps, chilled drinks, and vapes.

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