Century-old city centre water mains to be replaced
Issued by Scottish Water
Over a thousand metres of water mains under the streets of Inverness city centre, made from cast iron and up to 100 years old, is to be replaced in a major investment by Scottish Water. Businesses, residents and shoppers will be glad to learn that the investment is to take place at the same time as the city centre Streetscape works, therefore keeping disruption to a minimum. The new pipes are made from tough plastic and will result in more reliable supplies and better quality drinking water.
Scottish Water project manager Andy Barnett said: "Tulloch, the contractor responsible for the Inverness Streetscape project, is carrying out the work for us and is due to start on 22 January. This demonstrates joined up thinking on all sides. If we replace the water mains now, we reduce the likelihood of bursts and the need to dig up the new-look city centre streets for repairs in the coming years. The only disruption to supplies should be once the work is complete when we switch on the new pipes and switch off the old ones. We'll give as much warning as we can of any interruptions, which should only last a short time."
TRADERS' SUPPORT
Charles Leakey, chairman of the City of Inverness Traders' Association, welcomed the timing of Scottish Water's investment: "The decision by Scottish Water to replace the water mains under the streets of the Old Town at this time is entirely sensible. City traders are braced for the start of the Streetscape renovations. They are confident that the works will be competently managed and hope that they will be completed on time and on budget. This significant investment in the Old Town, the first for a generation, will help businesses to compete more effectively with the ring of out of town retail development that now surrounds our city."
AREAS EARMARKED FOR INVESTMENT
Areas of the city centre earmarked for the new water mains are: Church Street, Queensgate, Union Street, Baron Taylor Street, Fraser Street, Rose Street, Friars Lane, Drummond Street, Lombard Street and Castle Wynd. The water mains investment is expected to be complete by early summer.
The plans will be on display on Monday 15 January between 3pm and 8pm at the Ramada Jarvis Hotel in Church Street. Scottish Water staff will be on hand to answer any questions.
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