Construction work starts at historic city centre park

Issued on behalf of High Life Highland

The Northern Meeting Park refurbishment project in Inverness gets underway this week.

The refurbishment of this historical park is going ahead as one of three projects along the River Ness in Inverness being supported with almost £20 million from the UK Government’s Levelling Up Fund.

Lead contractors, Morrison Construction – Highland, employed by The Highland Council, commenced some enabling works, prior to Christmas, within the park area, to erect tree protection fencing and site office installation.

The full construction works started this week, with completion planned for December 2024.

The works will comprise of:

• The 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.

The projects will boost the city’s sporting and cultural attractions, preserve key heritage assets, help attract more tourists and assist in achieving net zero carbon targets.

The Highland Council’s Inverness City and Area Leader Councillor Ian Brown, and Co-Chair of the Levelling Up Fund Programme Board, said: “The park is a significantly important part of Inverness and the wider Highlands’ history - known for decades as the place to meet and gather to enjoy sporting activities and events.

"I am proud that the Council’s plan, for refurbishment of the grandstand and improved facilities for use by future users of the park, has come to fruition with thanks to the Levelling Up Funding.”

All three Levelling Up Fund projects will support the UK Government Net Zero Carbon agenda by providing sustainable energy to Northern Meeting Park, sustainable energy to Bught Park and a renewable Energy Centre for Inverness Castle.

More information

• The £4.8 billion 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.
• £19.8 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 to provide a new pavilion with ground source heating; and the Bught Park Stadium Complex for a refurbished grandstand, a new shinty experience and improved infrastructure for more large-scale outdoor events.
• Castle Street Energy Centre: Castle Street energy centre: 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 neighbouring businesses.

Northern Meeting Park refurbishment: 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.

Bught Park improvements: Bught Park is the city’s major green space supporting a wide range of sports and events.

Improvements being funded will include: 

• modernisation of the changing facilities.
• enhanced spectator facilities.
• enhanced hospitality and events infrastructure.
• The development of a shinty experience to celebrate the venue’s historic connection with the Highlands’ indigenous sport.