Two city centre projects were granted planning approval today as part of a key city centre regeneration project.
The decision made today will allow the Castle Street Energy Centre and Northern Meeting Park refurbishment to move to the next stage of development. This follows the approval of the developments at Bught Park in December 2022.
The three projects along the River Ness in Inverness are being supported with almost £20 million from the Levelling Up Fund. The projects will boost the city’s sporting and cultural attractions, preserve key heritage assets, help attract more tourists and assist in achieving net zero carbon targets.
UK Government Minister for Scotland Malcolm Offord said:
“I am pleased that the creation of the Castle Street Energy Centre and the redevelopment of the Northern Meeting Park is progressing to the next stage – taking the project a step closer to delivering a much needed eco-friendly refreshed space for residents and visitors, while retaining the building’s important structural heritage.
“These projects are being supported with £20m funding as part of the UK Government’s £2.2 billion investment in levelling-up across Scotland.”
The Highland Council’s Inverness city and area leader, Councillor Ian Brown, co-chair of the Levelling Up Programme Board, said:
“It’s great to see all three Levelling Up funded projects now receiving planning approval. These projects will provide opportunities for residents and visitors alike to reconnect with these venues, along the River Ness, by offering upgraded infrastructure for leisure and outdoor experiences and better access to community spaces.
“A great deal of work has gone into creating this urban regeneration vision and demonstrates the value that we can deliver toward decarbonisation for the Highlands and sets us on a clear path for the future.”
Drew Hendry MP, and co-chair of the Levelling Up Programme Board, said:
“Now all three projects have been granted planning approval they can move to the next stage of this exciting development. Alongside the restoration of a unique heritage building at Northern Meeting Park there will be the addition of new sustainable buildings which will protect and celebrate both our past and living culture and importantly allow us to continue working closely with local communities, who are often the custodians of those assets.
“The added benefit will be to visitors of Inverness, a forward-thinking, dynamic city renowned for both its modern and traditional cultural experiences.”
All three projects will support the UK Government Net Zero Carbon agenda by providing sustainable energy to Northern Meeting Park, sustainable energy to Bught Park and a renewable energy centre for Inverness Castle. All new systems will provide energy support to neighbouring properties helping to drive environmental change.
The Levelling Up Fund projects are delivered in partnership by The Highland Council and High Life Highland.
