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High hopes for future of Inverness city centre

Inverness is to mark its 60 year relationship with Augsburg
Inverness is to mark its 60 year relationship with Augsburg

Businesses, community leaders and politicians have issued a rallying call for action to revive Inverness city centre as a place to be proud of again.

Hopes are high that a range of prominent projects can revitalise the heart of the Highland capital despite ongoing challenges.

Many shops in the traditional Old Town still lie empty, while in the past year three e-cigarette stores have opened up in their place, with another due to launch soon.

And scaffolding erected around a number of key buildings has added to the impression of a rundown city centre.

But behind the scenes, a range of agencies are working to rejuvenate the area.

A taskforce was set up for the city centre last year, led by Highland Council’s planning director Stuart Black.

It has already made huge strides to open up part of Inverness Castle to visitors and a host of other projects are being worked on.

And with a major announcement on a significant lottery funding package for one of the city’s most important streets now imminent, there is renewed optimism about the future vision for Highland capital.

If approved, the regeneration of Academy Street will finally take off, after years of talking.

Mr Black said: “The projects we are working on are ones we think are significant for the city centre

“I want a city centre we can be proud of, one that is attractive to local people and visitors.”

Business leaders have offered their support, calling for a “long-term vision” to be drawn up.

Fraser Grieve, manager of the north’s Scottish Council for Development and Industry, said: “From castles to carbuncles Inverness is blessed with them both, and both should be embraced as we look at how we develop a long-term vision for how the city centre will look and feel, how transport will flow, and how we ensure that it’s a place where business will invest, and people choose to live and spend their time.

“We have seen some positive changes over the past decade with the improved streetscape and enhanced riverfront.

“But it has also suffered, as other city centres have, because of the economic downturn and changing retail habits.

“Action is now needed to map out the future footprint of the city centre’s retail space, support and encourage building owners to bring empty upper floors into use, and to convert disused shop fronts for other purposes.

“As the gateway for visitors, action is needed to improve the city’s first impression on those arriving here. Our rail and bus stations need upgrading, our civic spaces have to be more welcoming and our business spaces more competitive.

“Inverness has much to offer but it must raise its sights and not be afraid to stand out.”

High on the priority list is opening up part of the castle to visitors, though a move for its current tenants, the Scottish Courts Service, is still years away.

Graham Ambrose, chairman of the tourism Bid, Visit InvernessLochNess, said that making the city centre more tourism friendly was vital.

He said: “The castle project is great and the sooner it comes the better. We need to have a far more tourism friendly city centre, with things for people to do and see.

“Inverness city centre doesn’t have a visitor attraction but when the courts move it will be a catalyst for a huge numbers of visitors.”

Stewart Nicol, chief executive of Inverness Chamber of Commerce, said that work was needed to rid the city of empty shops and create good integrated transport links for the city and beyond.

But businessman Bryan Peach, of the Victorian Gift Shop, said the city “needs to go back to basics” and sort out transport problems before pursuing more grand ambitions.

He said: “If we haven’t got the infrastructure, we have nothing.”