Street food zone prompts fresh plans for St Andrew’s Cathedral in Inverness which has applied to Highland Council for planning permission to erect a small coffee and information kiosk beside the trees bordering Bishop’s Road car park
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St Andrew’s Cathedral in Inverness is getting set to be part of a street food zone coming to the riverside nearby, hopefully bringing an income boost for its maintenance fund.
The cathedral applied for planning permission to erect a small coffee and information kiosk beside the trees bordering Bishop’s Road car park.
Highland Council planners have also been asked to approve new monolith signs directing customers to the cathedral and its popular café behind the historic building.
A planning statement by Maclean Architecture and Conservation says the development of a street food area adjacent to the cathedral will most likely generate increased activity along Bishop’s Road.
It adds: “The creation of an information and drinks kiosk will help to guide visitors to the cathedral and enable the cathedral staff to supervise the grass and seating area adjacent to Bishop’s Road and assist in managing the area effectively.
“The income from the café supports the costs of running and maintaining the cathedral building.
“Through its outreach programme it also enables the cathedral to help individuals that need help with support or training to re-enter employment.”
Because of pandemic-related social distancing, the café installed more picnic tables on the lawns.
But this area is largely unsupervised, as the café windows do not have views of the external areas, and it is hoped that workers in the kiosk will monitor their tables in case customers of the new street food centre use them to the detriment of the cathedral café.
The street food zone has permission for six gazebos or mobile trailers as part of a broader venture to create a Highland Food and Drink Trail. The plans were submitted by Douglas Hardie and partner Jeni of Bad Girl Bakery, to boost footfall in the city centre and showcase local produce.
He said: “Most of the ducks are in a line now although there has been some delay with infrastructure.”
A cathedral spokesman said: “We welcome any initiatives which improve the visitor experience and enhance the riverside.
“The statements on management of the area and keeping the grounds attractive and litter-free are certainly relevant.”
