Inverness Common Good funding plays important role in COVID-19 recovery

Major capital investments and community grant aid from the Inverness Common Good have been welcomed by Members of The Highland Council’s City of Inverness Area Committee in the ongoing recovery from the coronavirus pandemic.

A key project supported by the Inverness Common Good Fund is the Victorian Market Refurbishment of the Market Hall and Fish Market.  This follows the approval of the business plan which was presented to elected members in November 2019.  The works – which are expected to commence in January 2021 – will see extensive renovations undertaken to areas of the market under the ownership of the Common Good Fund.  The ambitious plans will bring a new lease of life to the Victorian Market and, in turn, it is hoped that this will successfully attract additional footfall to the city centre and the market itself to experience the new offering.  The project will also form a key part of the post-COVID recovery for Inverness city centre.  Funding of £1.63m been secured for the project, which is scheduled to be complete by March 2022.

During the meeting, Members of the Committee also considered and agreed grant applications received from local associations and charities which had been submitted since their last meeting. Of these applications, Inshes Community Association is set to benefit for a grant of £30,000 towards developing and constructing the Inshes Scooter and Wheeled Sports Park, while another successful application will see £22,500 go towards the replacement of the Merkinch Local Nature Reserve Boardwalk. This is in addition to a number of smaller project already approved by the Inverness Common Good Fund Sub Committee.

Cllr Helen Carmichael, Provost and City Leader, said:  “Having the Inverness Common Good Fund available to support local organisations and charities is a real asset.  It is important to acknowledge the fantastic work being undertaken by these organisations throughout the Inverness area and also recognise that many would be unable to continue to operate or expand the reach of their services and work without this vital funding.”

She continued:  “Given the on-going circumstances and challenges posed by the pandemic, financial pressure on these local organisations is at an all-time high and it is vital that the Inverness Common Good Fund continues to contribute towards the terrific work which is being carried out in many communities within the city.”

ENDS