Work to begin on new Inverness arts centre
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EXCITEMENT is growing with work finally set to start on the multimillion-pound transformation of a redundant landmark building into a creative arts hub for the Highlands.
The first phase of the £5.7 million project to turn the former Inverness Royal Academy building at Midmills into the new Inverness Creative Academy will begin on February 5.
It is expected to be completed by the autumn when high quality, affordable workspaces will become available for 39 artists and others.
Work will then turn to phase two to create public exhibition, events and workshop spaces, a cafe and 54 workspaces for creative industries and cultural social enterprises in a second building.
The venture – a first for the region – is being led by Scottish award-winning charity and social enterprise Wasps Artists Studios.
As one of the largest developments of its kind outside the central belt, the centre is also expected to play a valuable economic role by supporting jobs and providing new business opportunities.
Audrey Carlin, chief executive of Wasps, took the opportunity for a last look round the prominent B-listed building before the contractors, Robertson Northern, begin work.
She was accompanied by representatives of the area’s arts community who have long dreamed of such a hub.
"We wanted to bring together some of the artists from the project’s steering group to have a look before all the changes and to visualise what artists in Inverness need and how they want to use the building," Ms Carlin said.
"This is a landmark time. The next time they see it, hopefully it will be transformed – and hopefully some of them will be tenants.
"They have been fantastic in getting word out about the project.
"We now have a good following of artists who are keen to get involved."
A community-based photographic initiative called the Inverness Darkroom at Midmills for example, will be among the facilities provided by the first phase. It will support the growing number of photographers in the Highlands who prefer traditional analogue photography to digital.
But tenants could include visual artists, theatre groups, craft makers, media companies and businesses at the cutting edge of the digital arts.
Full funding for the initial phase, estimated to be £1.2 million, has been given by Highland Council, Inverness City Heritage Trust, Highlands and Islands Enterprise and McCarthy and Stone Retirement Lifestyles which is developing retirement apartments at the site.
"A lot of the work will be external repairs such as stonework and roof repairs," Ms Carlin said.
"It is about making it winterproof and watertight.
"The building has been empty for two-and-a-half years and it has deteriorated.
"It is important we stop that now and get it back into use."
Securing funds for the second phase is ongoing although Ms Carlin is confident.
"We have put in lots of applications and are waiting for some decisions," she said.
"It is going to be challenge but we have to hope there are enough funders and individuals will see the benefit of what it means for the city and the creative community and for young people who want to stay and work in the city."
