A business initiative aiming to spread its wings across Inverness has been urged not to, by a city councillor.
Created a decade ago, the Highland capital’s Bid – “business improvement district” – scheme was among pioneers in UK cities and towns.
Fuelled by a levy on traders that is reinvested in city-enhancing projects, the US-developed scheme has become an integral feature of Inverness commerce – but has its critics.
One of the most vocal, Inverness Central councillor Donnie Kerr, is pressing project leaders to stick within existing geographical boundaries amid a growing desire to broaden its presence.
“I don’t think extension at this point is realistic,” he said. “Bid has a lot of goals yet to be realised within the area it already covers.
“I think there should be a refocussing on some of these goals. I also think you need some new goals that don’t penalise residents of homes of multiple occupation within the city centre.”
Richard Laird has questioned whether Bid’s aspirations for the future feature anything new.
He said: “With the exception of the coach ambassadors’ scheme, the projects listed in Bid’s latest report are exactly the same as they were four years ago.
“I don’t think anyhbody wants to see Bid rest on its laurels.”
Bid board vice chairwoman Jackie Cuddy has promised to take the criticism and observations on board.
“I understand what you’re saying. Yes, there are still things to do in the city centre but I’m encouraged,” she said.
“I keep saying to people that this time next year the city centre is going to look completely different – not just because our development will be done at Eastgate but I’m hoping the knock-on effect of (new) restaurants at Falcon Square will have an impact on the rest of the city centre.”
Major restaurant expansion is proposed for the square in front of the city’s Eastgate shopping centre.