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Petition launched to save the Ironworks as the venue gets stay of execution after councillors deferred a decision to demolish it and build a £30 million hotel


By Scott Maclennan

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The Ironworks Venue.
The Ironworks Venue.

Pressure looks to be building on councillors sitting on the south planning applications committee to save the Ironworks.

A petition has been launched by Donald Mackenzie who said the move to knock it down is "crazy."

Amid a lack of clarity over some aspects of the plan, councillor Michael Cameron moved to defer.

He later said as a newly elected member and after representations from the public he needs to be sure what he is agreeing or refusing.

That offers a window of opportunity for music who are desperate to keep the Ironworks open.

Mr Mackenzie stated on the petition page: "A developer wants to knock down the Ironworks music venue on Academy Street Inverness and build a seven floor hotel.

"The proposed development was described as "Soviet" by a councillor at a planning meeting on 23rd June but he still went on to vote for approval.

"A motion to reject the application was defeated by just one vote but a motion to refer back was passed, so planners, who had already recommended the plan be approved, will have another look.

"Time now for residents and visitors to Inverness to tell Highland Council planners to refuse permission for the ugly, overlarge proposal.

"The Ironworks building was purpose built as a music venue about fifteen years ago. It is crazy to knock down good, functional buildings and build new. NOT very 'green'."

The developer, Bricks Group, behind the hotel plans maintains it is a worthwhile project because it will create 90 construction jobs for two years followed by 65 full-time hospitality jobs.


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