Confirmation of Preferred Bidder for Fort William Waterfront Development

The Highland Council has confirmed a decision taken earlier this year to select the Fort William Waterfront Company as the preferred bidder to develop the Fort William waterfront project.

Following a review of the matter, the Council agreed to proceed with the development with Fort William Waterfront Ltd on the basis of: -

(a) the Council granting a 175-year lease, with a right to purchase, of the Council’s interests at Fort William Waterfront, including foreshore, the middle street car park and library site to ensure a detailed legal agreement on quality, design and phasing of the development;

(b) the Council entering into a pre-let and development agreement in relation to offices at the waterfront;

©  the council entering into a development agreement in respect of the new library at the waterfront;

(d) public consultation being undertaken by the preferred bidder prior to the design statement being prepared, with full input from the Council to the design brief;

(e)  public agencies invited to come forward with proposals to enhance the frontage of Fort William from the West End Car Park to River Lochy, extending beyond the current brief, to put the Fort William Waterfront development in context; and that these proposals be subject to public consultation.

The successful motion was moved by Councillor Michael Foxley, and seconded by Councillor Brian Murphy, both Fort William and Ardnamurchan.

The motion defeated by 45 votes to 24 an amendment by Councillor Donald Cameron, Fort William and Ardnamurchan, and Councillor Eddie Hunter, Caol and Mallaig, to seek deferral of the matter for clarification of the Council’s authority to assign leased accommodation (Tweeddale House and Lochaber House) to a third party.

The waterfront development extends to 7 hectares. Predominantly foreshore, the site incorporates a pier, public car park and part of the existing A 82 trunk road.  It also includes Tweeddale Buildings and Lochaber House, both of which provide direct frontage to the town centre and are leased by the Council.

Fort William Waterfront Ltd propose a 60,000 supermarket and petrol station; 42,500 sq ft of retail space; 261 private residential units; 87 affordable houses; 19,800 sq ft of offices; a 100-bedroomed hotel; a refurbishment of the underwater centre; a library and visitor attraction; two restaurants; a civic square and public car park.