Plans being developed to revitalise oldest district in Inverness
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Inverness Business Improvement District (BID) has been in discussion with Highland Council to give the Old Town its own unique identity.
The Old Town scheme would involve “welcome” signs being placed at the ends of key thoroughfares, and specially-branded street furniture would help to create a unique sense of place.
BID has defined Inverness Old Town as the area bounded by Bank Street by the river and Academy Street and including Queensgate, Union Street and Church Street – home to Inverness’s oldest residence, Abertarff House – as well as Castle Street on the opposite side of the High Street.
It is hoped the proposals to officially brand the Old Town will create a better defined character and attract people in a similar way to the New Town in Edinburgh or Glasgow’s vibrant Merchant City.
A wider branding exercise could create a “unique atmosphere” for the whole area that would increase its attractiveness for locals and visitors.
BID manager Mike Smith said: “We need to celebrate what the Old Town has to offer – its vitality comes from the exciting mix of independent retailers and bars, restaurants and cafés.
“The Old Town is a district entirely within Inverness city centre which complements the offer of both the High Street and the Eastgate Centre.”
He said it was important to give the area its own unique “brand”, particularly at various gateways to the area, and it was crucial the rebrand was put in place before the redevelopment of the Market Hall was completed.
The separate scheme to redevelop part of the historic Victorian Market, which has been described as the jewel in the crown, was approved in November.
Plans for the £1.5 million revamp will involve alterations to the main hall and fish market hall to create a modern food court.
The project would also involve the removal of the internal shop units and replace them with new retail, food and drink units, and it is hoped the work would create a major asset for the city centre.
Its location is central and it has a great deal of charm and quality as a building.
The project aspires to improve the entire market and city centre by providing an improved facility to act as a draw for people.
