Government funding expected to be confirmed for major Highland Capital centre transformation project: £12.5 million redevelopment of former Arnotts store will secure up to 200 construction jobs
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A project to transform a huge section of two of Inverness city centre's most prominent streets is on the verge of getting underway.
The project, which is awaiting vital Scottish Government funding which would help complete the transformation by mid-2021, will secure up to 200 local construction jobs.
While the development is dependent on the undisclosed amount of government funding, everyone connected to the project is confident it will be confirmed this month and it will completely regenerate two rundown streets in the historic Old Town quarter of the city.
The £12.5 million rebirth of the former Arnotts department store is already being hailed for its sympathetic restoration of listed buildings in Union Street and Baron Taylor’s Street.
The project, which aims to restore the original Union Street façade to its former glory, will bring original features such as shopfront detailing, wrought iron spiral staircases and exposed walls back to life.
The historic properties in Baron Taylor’s Street will also be given a major facelift, with the creation of unique retail, café or restaurant space.
Developer Swilken Estates will create six new retail units – four in Union Street and two in Baron Taylor’s Street, linked by an internal courtyard.
The upper floors will have 53 apartments for Highland Council and Highland Housing Alliance, providing much-needed high quality new housing in the city centre.
With phase one now complete, which involved 7-17 Union Street being stripped back to its original state, Swilken Estates is about to push the button on renovation and construction work in phase two.
The development will showcase local tradesmen and Inverness-based IBI Joiners has been appointed as principal contractor.
Swilken Estates’ Stuart Pender said: “After a delay due to Covid-19, we are looking forward to starting the construction phase on this major development.
“It is set to be a massive boost for the city, creating a large number of jobs.
“We are delighted to be making such a significant investment in Inverness city centre which will play a key part in the regeneration of Union Street, Baron Taylor’s Street and the wider city centre area.”
John Macbean, partner at Graham + Sibbald, agents for the retail units, said: “The new retail units will bring new activity and life. In the established city centre this will be the largest retail redevelopment in many years and has the critical mass and flexibility to add something different to the established retail offer.”
Willie Gray, managing director of Ark Estates, which was responsible for the multi award-winning regeneration of Raining’s Stairs, as well as major retail/residential schemes in Academy Street and Church Street, has been appointed as a consultant.
Highland Council’s head of development and regeneration, Allan Maguire, said: “We are very, very close to negotiating a deal with the Scottish Government to bring this project to fruition. It could be the catalyst for the regeneration of the whole area and would significantly lift that part of the city centre.”
What do you think of the plans? Send your views to newsdesk@hnmedia.co.uk
