All systems go for new Inverness marina complex promising regeneration of the city's Carse area
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
An ambitious new marina development is set to give Inverness a significant economic, social and cultural boost after being given the green light by planners.
That is the view of lead investor Scottish Canals and a new tourism chief who began work this week on realising the city’s untapped potential.
Highland Council has now approved phase two of the £5.2 million plan for a major employment, community and outdoor waterside hub next to the Caledonian Canal at Muirtown Basin.
It is hoped the multi-agency project, with building work beginning this spring, will help regenerate the Carse area of the city as the local economy recovers from the pandemic.
The Carse Hub, featuring two new low-carbon buildings, The Treehouse and The Boathouse, could also provide a focal point for tourism as a gateway to the historic canal and Loch Ness.
It will fulfil training and educational functions and connect closely with Merkinch Nature Reserve, with enhanced bicycle and walking links in tune with broader ambitions for a more sustainable local transport network.
Catherine Topley, CEO of Scottish Canals, said: “Scottish Canals are delivering a renaissance of our inland waterways and Carse Hub is a perfect example of developing destinations along the canal network. The creation of office space, a canal college and towpath improvements will deliver lasting benefits for the people of Inverness for years to come.
“Over the coming weeks and months ahead, as work begins, Scottish Canals will be engaging in discussions with the local community.”
Jo de Sylva, newly appointed chairwoman of Visit Inverness Loch Ness (VILN), shared the public body’s enthusiasm, stressing: “At a very difficult time for everyone, an investment of this size is very welcome.”
Realising the Carse Hub project is a long-held ambition of Scottish Canals and progress is timely, given that 2022 marks the 200th anniversary of the Thomas Telford-engineered structure.
It ran into opposition from Historic Environment Scotland (HES) in December 2018 over fears it would detract from the waterway’s unique ambience as a scheduled historic monument.
But in its latest representations to planners, HES noted that the canal-side building had been moved away from the towpath to a site above the embankment slope, reducing its visual impact.
The project, delivered in two phases, involves the construction of two connected buildings.
Phase one, costing £3.46 million and completed by spring next year, will create The Treehouse, a 645 square metre purpose-built “flexible” space for offices, workshops, social enterprises and a new community meeting room suitable for training purposes.
This phase will also bring car parking, towpath, community access and green space improvements.
An employment hub will include space for the Merkinch Nature Reserve ranger, social enterprises and community advice facilities.
Phase two, at £1.8 million, is expected to be completed late in 2022 and will feature a new 436 square metre canal-side building, The Boathouse, hosting a canalside café, boating facilities and storage space for local water-based clubs.
The café will create four new catering and management jobs.
Scottish Canals described the planned hub “truly exemplary” in terms of attractiveness and as a major regeneration project.
It says the project will “improve and reinforce” access to the canal for Merkinch and South Kessock residents, as well as the wider public.
The project will also feature new serviced moorings at Muirtown Basin.
Phase one is backed by funding from the Scottish Government’s regional capital grant fund and by Highland Council, through Inverness Common Good Fund and the vacant derelict land fund.
Other investors include NatureScot and the sustainable transport charity Sustrans.
Funding is being actively sought to deliver phase two.
Ms de Sylva said the project chimed with her ambition of helping realise the unfulfilled potential of Inverness and Loch Ness as a world-class tourist destination.
She said: “The canal is such an important part of the heritage of Inverness, being the largest canal built at that time, surpassed only by the Panama canal in 1916.
“Investment in the canal’s infrastructure is very welcome to ensure visitors and locals alike can make the most of what must be some of the most stunning scenery in the world.
“At a very difficult time for everyone, an investment of this size is very welcome, creating employment, better facilities for clubs, and a community hub. I’m sure the café will be very welcome to locals and tourists alike.
“Given next year is the bi-centenary of the opening of the canal, it’s great to see that Scottish Canals are continuing investment.
“No building design can possibly match everyone’s perception of what is required, but we must look at this investment as a positive addition to the canal, and something that will benefit everyone who enjoys the waterways.”
City businesswoman Jo De Sylva named new head of Highland tourism group
What do you think of the plans? Email newsdesk@hnmedia.co.uk
