Former Highland capital department store earmarked for major conversion
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
THE proposed conversion of the former Arnotts department store in Union Street, Inverness, has taken an important step forward.
Forthpoint Ltd want to build 57 residential units as well as shops in the substantial listed building once owned by House of Fraser.
If approved the plan will involve considerable alterations, partial demolition and extension of the property.
Edinburgh-based developer Forthpoint have lodged a proposal of application notice (PAN) with Highland Council, and this was noted by councillors sitting on the south planning applications committee on Tuesday, allowing it to progress to a full application for consideration later in the year.
The site consists of an existing four floor sandstone building with retail/commercial units on the lower floors and offices on upper floors.
It forms part of a larger corner building located at the junction of Union Street and Academy Street in the heart of the city centre.
It is the large central section of the building extending from Union Street back to Baron Taylor’s Street that is the subject of the PAN. It is part of a category B listed building within the Riverside Conservation Area.
The majority of flats planned are two-bedroom alongside one one-bedroom and one three-bedroom units, built round a central courtyard.
The development, if approved, could give a brighter look to Baron Taylor’s Street, with new glass-fronted shop fronts at street level.
Six new commercial units are currently proposed as part of the plan.
The design by Manchester architects Ollier and Smurthwaite shows that the distinctive façade of the original building, which dates back to 1863, will remain largely unchanged.
Partial demolition is planned at the rear of the building.
