UK Government Levelling Up Fund

The £4.8 billion UK Government Levelling Up Fund sees investment in infrastructure that improves everyday life across the UK, including regenerating town centres and high streets, upgrading local transport, and investing in cultural and heritage assets. 

Under the banner of the Inverness Zero Carbon Cultural Regeneration Project, the bid brought together three projects that, when combined, will drive the environmental, cultural and economic regeneration of Inverness. 

£19.9 million was awarded for:

• the development of a new energy centre in Castle Street to provide heat and energy to Inverness Castle and Inverness Town House;
• the Northern Meeting Park to upgrade existing facilities and provide a new community pavilion.
• and the Bught Park Stadium Complex for improvements to existing infrastructure for more large-scale outdoor events, new changing facilities, a new sports pavilion and shinty experience;
• all three levelling Up Funded Projects will have a new heating source contributing to net zero targets. 

Castle Street Energy Centre (£4.4M):

A castle has overlooked the River Ness since 1037. The current castle was constructed on the site of the original in 1836, as a courthouse and prison. Now, Inverness Castle is being transformed into a world class visitor attraction.

• This is part of the Inverness and Highland City Region Deal, which is a joint initiative supported by up to £315m investment from the UK and Scottish Governments, The Highland Council, Highlands and Islands Enterprise and University of the Highlands and Islands, aimed at stimulating sustainable regional economic growth.
• The Levelling Up Fund award will support the development of a new Energy Centre in Castle Street to provide heat and energy to Inverness Castle and Inverness Town House.

Northern Meeting Park refurbishment (£5.9M): The funding will refurbish Northern Meeting Park, playing host to various professional/amateur sporting events and games since it opened in 1864.  Improvements will include: 

• refurbishment and preservation of the Victorian grandstand.
• improved access to city centre green space.
• enhanced sporting and cultural facilities.
• a new community pavilion.
• improved infrastructure for local and major events.
• a new heating source contributing to net zero targets

Bught Park improvements (£9.6M): Bught Park is the city’s major green space supporting a wide range of sports and events.  Improvements being funded will include:

• new changing facilities.
• enhanced spectator facilities.
• enhanced hospitality and events infrastructure.
• a new sports pavilion.
• the development of a ‘shinty experience’ to celebrate the venue’s historic connection with the Highlands’ indigenous sport.
• a new heating source contributing to net zero targets.

UK Government Levelling Up Funding Applications:

• Inverness Zero Carbon Cultural Regeneration Application