Plans for a new golf course in Inverness have been revealed as part of new sports facilities related to the proposed West Link road crossing the River Ness and Caledonian Canal.
Highland Council’s plans involve 18-hole Torvean Golf Course being re-designed in a self contained area east of General Booth Road.
The reconfiguration of the golf course requires a minimum investment of £1.3million to enable the building of the link road, but the expanded golf project is estimated to cost an additional £7.41 million, as of December 2014.
Land currently used by the golf club south of the A82 Inverness to Fort William road will be freed up for informal public open space and a mixed use development adjacent to the canal at this important gateway to Inverness and discussions are ongoing with Scottish Canals to consider opportunities.
Existing holes to the east of General Booth Road will be the site of the proposed new sports hub.
A practice area that will allow the club to expand it to SGU development standard status is included, along with a new clubhouse and junior room, maintenance buildings and new access roads.
Hamish Spence, president of Torvean Golf Club said: “Torvean Golf Club have, for the past two years, been working closely with the council on this project. We are delighted that it is now taking a major step towards fruition.
“As well as the obvious benefits to our members, the new clubhouse and course will be a major improvement to the existing sporting facilities available to the local community and will provide a massive boost to tourism in the city of Inverness and the wider Highland area.”
Councillor Thomas Prag, chairman of the development and infrastructure committee said: “I am delighted with the progress we are making across a number of fronts associated with the Inverness West Link and the associated sports and leisure projects.
“The plans are ambitious and will deliver substantial long term assets to the city.”
Leader of the Highland Council, Councillor Drew Hendry added: “The delivery of the West Link is a key commitment in the council’s programme and will greatly improve our infrastructure, linking communities, reducing congestion in the city and supporting economic development.”
The planning process for the enhanced sports facilities, including plans for the golf course and Canal Park will be on show at the Inverness Aquadome on Tuesday, January 27 from 10am until 8pm.