Planning the Way ahead for Inverness City Centre
The Highland Council, in partnership with Inverness Business Improvement District will shortly be starting a Development Brief to highlight development opportunities and environmental improvements that will strengthen and enhance the key role the city centre plays in the Highland economy.
Building on the work already undertaken in preparing the Inverness City Vision, the development brief will set out what the key strengths and weaknesses are of the city centre as well as the opportunities there are for tourism, business, retail and office developments to locate there. An appraisal of key sites that are or may become available over the coming months and years is an integral part of the work. Landowners and developers interested in discussing development opportunities are encouraged to contribute to the work being carried out, and a wide ranging public consultation will take place later in the year.
Future streetscape and environmental improvements, transport enhancements and linkages to the green spaces and waterfront around Inverness area will also be looked at as part of the development brief.
City Provost and member of the Inverness BID Board, Jimmy Gray said: “By planning ahead and putting in place a framework for development, we will be in a stronger position to attract investment to the city centre. I would encourage people to contribute to the debate about what they want to see happen in the city centre, so that we can build on the successful £6m streetscape improvements we have seen in the recent past. A strong Inverness City Centre will mean a strong Inverness, and contribute to strengthening the Highlands as a whole.”
Craig Duncan, Chairman of BID said, “We are delighted to be working with the Highland Council on the Development Brief, which we believe is essential to future prosperity and growth in the city centre.
“Business development is one of BID’s core priorities and the Board have already submitted our thoughts to the Highland Council. We see this initiative as bringing new opportunities to the city centre within the retail, office, leisure and property sectors, which will further enhance the area and in turn bring a greater numbers of shoppers and pedestrians into the heart of Inverness.
“BID is constantly working to create a thriving city centre with a strong trading environment and this is a very important step towards achieving this. “