What now for The Ironworks venue in Inverness?
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Ever since the first bum note was struck on the future of The Ironworks’ building, dismayed music fans have clamoured for a new home to be found.
Planning proposals, since approved, to demolish 122B Academy Street to make way for a new £30 million, 155-bedroom Courtyard by Marriott hotel were met with sadness, anger and concern.
In the immediate weeks and months after the announcement was made in summer 2019, energy and momentum seemed to build behind moves to save – or at least relocate – the 17-year-old venue.
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Great hope sprang from the notion that The Ironworks, far from being mere bricks and mortar, was a brand and concept and, for its most ardent adherents, a state of mind.
To understand the depth and strength of affection felt locally and far beyond for Ironworks requires delving into its proven track record of bringing top rock, pop, folk, comedy and other cultural acts north.
Memorable nights, whether raucous or serene, left an indelible mark on several generations of revellers.
Petitions against closure were launched, attracting thousands of signatures, while high-powered meetings – the first in October 2019 – were held among political and business leaders. Unfortunately, these always stood in stark contrast to the paltry number of concrete suggestions as to where the business might lay new roots.
The venue’s director Caroline Campbell held behind-the-scenes talks with former Highlands and Islands Labour MSP David Stewart, Highland Council, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, Xponorth, Creative Scotland and High Life Highland.
There was no doubting the appetite existed to save the Ironworks brand and concept, with Mrs Campbell saying after the October 2019 meeting that they had “discussed finding a new home” for Ironworks after “fantastically positive” discussions.
At the time she added: “Everyone took on board how important the venue is to the people of Inverness and to music lovers across the wider Highlands and Islands and beyond.
“I can’t stress this enough when I say this building we are in right now is just a shell.
“Everything in it we own and is transferable.
“I invested heavily in new equipment and that was done deliberately so it could be moveable.”
Despite those worthy intentions, the relative static silence of the last two or three years left Ironworks supporters increasingly fearing the worst.
It became clearer this week that the past operators had been unable to find a cost effective solution, with no ready-made home available for the brand at a time when new-build costs remain prohibitive to potential backers and investors.
It is to be hoped that future changes in the climate and an enduring strength of feeling and goodwill towards the Ironworks concept may lead to an encore and permanent revival at some future date.
The company behind the Courtyard by Marriott hotel plan were "absolutely delighted" when it was finally granted planning permission last August.
Bricks Group chief operating officer Alan Davidson, who is from Inverness, said the approval meant £30 million of inward investment for the city.
And he added: "There will be 65 full-time jobs in addition to more than 100 jobs in the construction phase."
