Work to begin on green 'energy centre' that will power Inverness Castle
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CONSTRUCTION on major new air-source heat pumps that will provide energy to Inverness Castle and the Town House is set to begin next week.
The facility, dubbed the Castle Street Energy Centre, is one of three projects along the River Ness which are receiving a combined £20 million of government funding.
Work on the new 'energy centre' will begin n August 1 on the site of the former Castle Street toilet block next to the Town House car park.
The project will include the partial demolition of the upper level and the creation of the two-storey energy centre, which as well as housing air-source heat pumps will also be clad in aluminium louvred-panels to allow airflow to all sides and the roof.
Work is expected to be complete by November 2024, and the finished centre will then provide green energy to the castle and Town House.
The £20 million worth of government Levelling-Up funding is also being used to help redevelop Bught Park and the Northern Meeting Park
Cllr Ian Brown, leader of Inverness and Area and co-chair of the Levelling-Up Fund Programme Board, said: “These projects will boost the city’s sporting and cultural attractions, preserve key heritage assets, help attract more tourists, and assist in achieving net zero carbon targets.”
UK government minister for Scotland, Malcolm Offord, added: "The UK government is levelling up Inverness with a £20 million investment in upgrading the city's public spaces, facilities and attractions which will help drive tourism and economic growth."
City centre parking will still be available at Castle Street during the construction work, but on a more limited basis. However, parking will still be available at the Eastgate Centre, Rose Street and Strother’s Lane car parks.
The Levelling-Up Fund projects are delivered in partnership with Highland Council and High Life Highland.
