Talks held on plans for new five-storey Inverness hotel
A PUBLIC consultation over a five storey hotel proposed for Inverness city centre took place yesterday.
The meeting, which attracted around 35 local folk to it, discussed future plans for the proposed 68 bedroom hotel on Academy Street which would encorporate a retail, office unit, bar or restaurant on the ground floor.
Developers say the proposal has the potential to secure over 150 construction jobs during its construction and the completed building would be likely to provide up to 55 hotel jobs after opening in 2013.
The existing buildings would be demolished to make way for the new development.
The plan has been put forward by Ark Estates (Scotland) Ltd, part of the Inverness-based William Gray Construction group.
Andrew Wright, conservation architect and heritage consultant, said: "We have looked at numerous options for saving the buildings on the site, and have concluded that they are beyond economic repair. A well designed new scheme on this site has the potential to revitalise the surrounding historic buildings, and will bring much needed new life to this part of the conservation area."
Internationally renowned architects, Keppie, are leading the project.
Martin English, managing director of Keppie, said: "We were delighted to see so many people attending the public consultation on Thursday. At Keppie, we spend a lot of time gathering information to help us understand the local context for any building. A big part of our approach is being people focused in everything that we do – understanding the realities of life, and observing the environment around us, and we see the public consultation is a vital part of the process of gathering this knowledge."
He added: "Being involved in projects large and small, on a global scale, Keppie are able to bring extensive experience to each job."
Keppie has already consulted with a range of organisations and local businesses, as well as The Highland Council (planning), PLACE (the Inverness design review panel) and Inverness BID.
