WATCH: Invernessians reveal what they’d change about Inverness
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The people of Inverness have revealed what they would change about the city centre to improve it.
Inverness city centre has changed a lot throughout the years, from Woolworths closing down, to Zara and Debenhams in the Eastgate shutting down.
It is fair to say that many beloved boutiques and independent businesses have come and gone from the town, which is why we took to the streets of the city centre to ask the people of Inverness what they would change.
1. Speed limit restrictions
Lots of people questioned certain speed limit restrictions around Inverness.
One person said: “A lot of the speed limit restrictions to 20mph are very justified, but others are questionable. A more thought out approach is needed rather than one size fits.”
Another person added: “Speed restrictions make a lot of sense down many side streets, through Old Edinburgh Road, Glenurquhart Road, Stratherrick Road and out towards Clachnaharry seems a bit excessive. There are plenty more I’m sure, but those particular instances are roads with plenty of visibility. Now with so many cars littered on the sides of roads, it would make sense to revert.”
2. Residential facilities
Many people were keen for there to be more shops, benches and cafes surrounding residential areas in Inverness.
Lucas Glunchowski said: “Every housing scheme that’s being built should have its own square with shops and cafes. A square with benches, some greenery and maybe fountains. More infrastructure and school services. There are too many poor houses being sold for ridiculous prices without anything around.
“Everything in Inverness is being sold in quantity over quality, to push as many house sales as possible. The richer are getting richer and the locals are getting left with nothing.”
3. More green spaces
Locals are keen for there to be more green spaces and less houses.
Lee Mackay said: “Leave the green spaces and fields for the wildlife, stop building so many houses, there’s more than enough! The services can’t cope with adding more people.”
4. A new hospital
Building a new hospital was at the top of a lot of people’s lists. With the population of Inverness expanding and the hospital remaining the same, residents are waiting extreme times to be seen by healthcare professionals.
Kirk Channer said: “Build a new hospital with enough beds and multi storey car park, with up to date equipment and make working there appealing for staff to come to the area. “
5. Fill vacant spaces in the Eastgate Shopping Centre
A lot of people remember the Eastgate Shopping Centre to be a thriving hub, where ‘no one could walk because there were so many people’, but now known as a ‘ghost town’.
Margaret Mackenzie said: “The Eastgate is fast becoming a white elephant, vacant spaces should be allocated to local crafters rather than leaving them lying empty. Pop up food stalls and regular entertainment like the Victorian Market does and that would help.”
6. Airport with better destinations
Inverness Airport currently only flies to UK destinations and Amsterdam, to which locals are keen for more flights to be available abroad.
7. A new music venue
The Ironworks was Inverness’s main music hub and was permanently closed in 2023 to be replaced with a hotel. Many people are now keen for a new live music venue to be brought to Inverness.
Lisa Simpson said: “The town desperately needs a proper music venue. It’s a disgrace that the Ironworks was closed down to make space for yet another hotel which hasn’t even materialised yet. “
8. Children’s play areas
It has been claimed that Inverness lacks having areas for children to play, including parks, soft play centres and activities.
