Transformation of Inverness Castle into major tourist attraction takes another step forward
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The transformation of Inverness Castle into a major tourist attraction has taken another step forward with statutory planning applications being lodged with Highland Council.
The applications are for listed building consent and building warrant approval in preparation for the main building works contract which will be subject to a tendering process beginning in spring.
Submitted by project architects LDN Architects, the applications cover the works necessary to restore the Category A Listed building and convert it for use as a new visitor attraction.
Given potential impacts arising from Brexit and the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, the programme of works for the main tender will not be finalised until completion of the tender process.
But at present, the proposed works include the careful conservation of the building fabric, accessibility and environmental upgrades and contemporary new additions.
In addition, the proposed works include a new café space and external viewing terraces which will transform Inverness Castle into a cultural centrepiece.
All timings are subject to change, depending on the findings of the ongoing enabling works contract, due for completion in spring, and the impact of the ongoing pandemic.
The enabling works involve demolition work, asbestos surveys, timber preservation surveys and structural checks.
The transformation of Inverness Castle is supported by £15 million Scottish Government and £3 million UK Government investment through the city region deal.
It will create a gateway for Highland tourism, contributing to reinvigoration of tourism across the area and providing much needed investment for the industry to aid the recovery from the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic. The project will support economic growth throughout the Highland area, creating a sustainable, viable and “must-see” attraction that will celebrate the spirit of the Highlands.
The Inverness and Highland City Region deal is a joint initiative supported by up to £315m investment from the UK and Scottish governments, The Highland Council, HIE and University of the Highlands and Islands, aimed at stimulating sustainable regional economic growth.
Inverness Provost Helen Carmichael, said: "The Inverness Castle project is vital to the regeneration of our city centre and the wider tourism economy of the Highland region.
It is exciting to see the progress towards the Inverness Castle becoming a ‘must-see’ attraction that will draw visitors to the Highlands."
Tourism Secretary Fergus Ewing, who co-chairs the Inverness Castle Delivery Group, said the Inverness Castle project was a critical part of the revitalisation of the tourism economy of the Highlands.
"The Scottish Government is committed to supporting the ongoing renovations and has provided £15 million to this proposal through the Inverness and Highland City Region Deal," he said.
"I am pleased to see this latest milestone reached and look forward to seeing the renovations take shape."
UK Government Minister David Duguid said the transformation of Inverness Castle would deliver a tremendous boost for the region.
"I was impressed when I visited the development last year, and I am glad to hear that good progress continues to be made," he said.
"Projects like this are vital to our economic recovery from coronavirus and the UK Government is investing £1.5 billion to support them across Scotland."
The planning application can be viewed on the Council’s eplanning site wam.highland.gov.uk/wam using the following reference 21/00100/FUL and 21/00103/LBC.
Related story: Highland company wins enabling contract to begin transformation of Inverness Castle
