Inverness Strategy ‘StoryMap’ – 5 projects Highland Council is keen to see happen
Highland Council has just released an online ‘StoryMap’ detailing all the major city projects planned to emerge up to 2030 as part of the Inverness Strategy.
Well over 100 projects – including some that have been completed already – are mentioned and discussed but others are yet to appear.
The council is looking for investment partners and is effectively highlighting buildings and locations in Inverness for development to make the city as the economic, social and cultural centre of the Highlands.
Here is a pick of just five projects that the council is keen to see progress.
Millburn Road Bus and active travel corridor
The strategy says: Millburn Corridor Bus Priority and Active Travel Scottish Transport Appraisal Guidance (STAG) complete – study looked at a range of options intended to reduce the negative impacts of congestion on bus services and address the long-term decline in bus use. Study looks at ways to encourage walking, wheeling and cycling for everyday journeys and is interlinked to proposed design for Academy Street. Now with Transport Scotland for evaluation to determine whether funding will be granted to the Highland Council for outline business case stage.
Lead development agency: Highland Council
Investment: £5.6 million
Redevelopment of the former East Church into a Gaelic cultural centre
The strategy says: The Gaelic cultural centre is envisioned as a gathering place for everyone with a passion for or an interest in the Gaelic language and culture to come together for entertainment, chat, learning and friendship to celebrate and strengthen Gaelic, its culture and traditions in a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere.
Lead development agency: Cultarlann Inbhir Nis
Investment: £355,000
Inverness Railway and Bus Station Masterplan
The strategy says: Major 30-year Masterplan project committed to by Transport Scotland and involving a number of key stakeholders looking at the redevelopment of a large area of land around the Station, including the existing station buildings, freight yards and maintenance depots, the Bus Station/Farraline Park, the Rose Street Multi-storey Car Park and the former Royal Mail buildings amongst others.
Lead development agency: Network Rail and Highland Council
Investment: not yet known
Reuse of Fraser House (former British Telecom building), Friars' Lane
The strategy says: Large commercial building which is currently under used and available for rent. Consider future opportunities for the building including redeveloped to create a co-working hub with access to an external terrace with great views over the river.
Lead development agency: private sector
Investment: not yet known
HMRC Building, Tomnahurich Street
The strategy says: Large commercial building which is currently under used and available for rent. Consider future opportunities for the building including redeveloped to create a co-working hub with access to an external terrace with great views over the River Ness.
Lead development agency: private sector
Investment: not yet known