MULTIMILLION-POUND plans for an eight-screen cinema and restaurant complex were revealed yesterday as part of a major expansion of the Eastgate Shopping Centre in Inverness.
The project, which is tipped to create more than 200 jobs, was hailed as a major vote of confidence in the city’s economy.
The owner of the shopping centre, F&C Reit, plans to extend the premises out into Falcon Square and add additional floors to accommodate the cinema and restaurants.
The firm said the development would bring 220 jobs to the Highland capital – 100 of them at the construction stage – and could act as a catalyst for further regeneration in the city centre.
The major expansion will require a seven-figure investment and the company behind the centre says it has already had interest from operators keen to fill the proposed extra units.
An application for planning permission was lodged with Highland Council yesterday.
Spencer Gower, F&C Reit’s asset manager, said the scheme would increase the appeal of Inverness as a visitor destination.
“The face of shopping centres is changing and, with so many people shopping online, it is important that centres have a fusion of retail and leisure to attract customers,” he said.
“The visitor experience is becoming more and more important, particularly in Inverness, where tourism is so important.”
He said the substantial investment underlined the firm’s commitment and belief in the Highland capital as a growth city.
A spokeswoman for the shopping centre said it would remain “fully operational” while the construction work was carried out.
She said some relocations might be required but building work was likely to be done outside opening hours to keep disruption to a minimum.
Inverness Chamber of Commerce chief executive Stewart Nicol said: “It is a very impressive development and massive boost for the city centre, and I think it’s a real endorsement of the strength of the Inverness and Highland economy.
“It is a major investment in the city centre and these sorts of decisions are not taken lightly.”
Mr Nicol added that the expansion plans would play a key part in the regeneration of the heart of the city.
He said: “The Eastgate Centre is an iconic and key retail experience that brings people from across the Highlands to Inverness, and to expand this to cover the entertainment and leisure sector, particularly in the evenings, is a fantastic addition.”
Inverness Business Improvement District chairman Craig Duncan also welcomed the plans.
He said: “We think it would be a great addition to the city centre and would generate more footfall there. I think the Eastgate Centre should be congratulated.”
Inverness Provost Alex Graham said: “Many people still miss the very popular La Scala cinema, which Inverness lost a few years ago, and a new cinema in the city centre would be appreciated by locals and visitors alike.
“The new venue would give the city centre a welcome economic boost, though care would have to be taken to ensure that the building is attractive and fits in well with the existing Eastgate.”
At present, Inverness has a city centre cinema at Eden Court Theatre and a seven-screen Vue Cinema at the out-of-town Business and Retail Park.