Funding boost for city through River Ness enhancement
In response to widespread public support for making better use of the River Ness, “bold and imaginative” plans to incorporate a major public arts programme in the £21 million River Ness Flood Alleviation and Streetscape Scheme, Inverness, have been given a major boost with confirmation of funding of £305,000 from Creative Scotland.
This is the first phase of funding for a proposed £750,000 project to celebrate the character and distinctiveness of the River Ness, capturing the history, heritage and biodiversity on and around the river.
Councillor Ian Brown, Leader of the City of Inverness Area Committee, said: “This vote of confidence from Creative Scotland is excellent and most welcome news for the Community as it supports the wishes expressed to make best use of the River Ness in the City Vision. We see the flood scheme as a great opportunity to hugely enhance the centre of our city with major streetscape and public art features. Our plans are bold and imaginative. It’s the best possible start to our fund raising efforts.”
The Inverness Common Good Fund is being invited to make a £250,000 contribution towards the costs of the public art programme, which is synchronised to dovetail with the flood scheme, scheduled to start later this month and continue until April 2015. The Highland Council’s City of Inverness Area Committee will consider the request when it meets next on Monday 8 October. The Committee will also be asked to contribute £1 million towards the Streetscape element of the enhancement scheme.
A significant feature is the proposed creation of a Viewing Station and a Sculptural Destination, which will frame views towards the Ness Islands and act as link for the city to the Loch Ness and the Great Glen Way.
Other projects include a range of activity including:
Susan Christie of IOTA (Inverness Old Town Arts) said: “The proposed programme will imaginatively engage the Highland public in an ongoing dialogue & creative process and involve the community in its development and allows for emerging artists to be mentored by commissioned artists.
“The SHIFT//SEÒL commissions programme has been developed in response to local and regional policies: The Inverness City Vision, Inverness City Centre Development Brief and Highland Public Art Strategic Framework commissioned by the Highland Culture Strategic Board. IOTA has been involved in dialogue with the Council throughout these policy developments and understands the long-term vision for the City.”