Plans approved for revamp of Victorian Market in Inverness
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An ambitious refurbishment of the Victorian Market in Inverness has been given the go ahead by Highland Council planners using delegated powers.
The £1.5 million project will include creating a new-look market hall area with a central event space and grouping similar retailers together in themed zones.
The aim is to transform the B-listed building into a modern, vibrant attraction and draw more people into the city but there has been controversy particularly over the eviction of 14 traders in the market hall to enable the work to go ahead.
The revamp is being funded by Inverness Common Good Fund and managed by the council
A report by planning officer Norman Brockie stated the market halls have been altered and updated many times over the years, and very little historic fabric or layout remains outwith the main structure.
"The existing shop units form a dense and confusing network within the halls, with no clarity of routes and no appreciation of the larger space," he said.
"The fabric and design of the units is equally poor and contributes negatively to the character of the Victorian Market as a whole.
"Accordingly, the complete removal of all the units, and their background structures, is accepted and welcomed."
The main hall and smaller fish market halls will be stripped out, leaving the masonry walls and roof structure unaltered, and 12 new commercial units re-installed around the perimeter of the main hall, creating an open central space.
It will feature an open steel-framed pergola for a cafe-style seating area, allowing visitors a chance to stop, have food and appreciate the historic space.
In the Fish-market hall, new kiosks and commercial units will be formed in the lobby from the Market Close entrance.
The report continued: "As a unique feature within Inverness centre, the Victorian Market is struggling aesthetically and functionally to be an attractive place to visit and to run a business.
"These proposals should greatly improve all of these factors, with improved design, permeability and amenity, all of which should serve to enhance the character of the listed building."
Historic Environment Scotland welcomed the proposals to improve the internal central hall space and there was also support from Inverness Civic Trust.
