Highland Council’s redesign board has approved plans to stop using Inverness Town House as office space.
This means £370,000 that would have gone to Inverness Common Good Fund for the use of the building no longer will.
It was announced last week the move would be considered as part of a £1 milllion savings plan for the region in the hopes of reducing the council’s office footprint.
Though plans have been approved by the redesign team, they will now need to be put to the full council next Thursday.
Uprooting staff
Some 100 members of staff who currently work from Inverness Town house will be relocated to the council’s city headquarters.
Chairman of the redesign board, Bill Lobban, said the move would have a number of benefits.
“The redesign board has been discussing these proposals for a considerable time and the imperative is now to get on and deliver the savings by reducing our office footprint across numerous council buildings,” he said.
“The Town House savings proposed today will help to reduce our overhead costs, reduce our energy consumption and contribute to climate change targets, while allowing this iconic civic building to be better utilised.”
What will happen to Inverness Town House?
Inverness Town house recently under went a £7.4 million renovation and frequently hosts civic events from dinners to weddings and roadshows.
These events are to ensure Inverness Common Good fund still makes money from the building despite losing out on £370,000 once the council vacates.
Provost of Inverness Glynis Sinclair said: “Recent investment has helped to secure the heritage of the Town House for the future and the beautifully restored building is now an ideal venue for cultural activities and events.
“This will provide opportunities for income for the common good as well as increasing access to the public.”
Conversation