Inverness unveils plans for 'iconic' redevelopment of its waterfront

ONE of the most rundown parts of Inverness could be transformed into an iconic waterfront housing scheme under multimillionpound plans revealed yesterday.

The project, on a derelict industrial site in South Kessock, regarded as the most deprived area in the Highlands, would include a landmark building which, at 148ft, would be one of the tallest structures in the region.

Caledonian Property Partnership (CPP) unveiled details to the community yesterday and hopes it will regenerate an area near the former Kessock ferry crossing point in the same way as waterfront developments have transformed Leith, Glasgow and Newcastle.

About 190 properties, a mix of social and private housing, are planned over the next five years through the transformation of a fouracre brownfield site presently used for industrial and commercial use or on dormant land. The development would be linked to the city centre by a new waterside walkway.

The main building, inspired by a lighthouse, would provide residents with views over the River Ness and the Moray Firth and beyond to the Kessock Bridge and Ben Wyvis. The plan would further enhance the harbour area of Inverness with a marina development also planned on the Moray Firth.

A CPP spokesman said: "At the heart of this outline planning proposal is a wide mix of social, key worker and private properties in an area of Inverness that has only ever seen industrial and commercial use. As well as housing, we would expect a small number of commercial units to be created."

The designs for the development have been prepared by the Invernessbased architect Colin Armstrong Associates. Colin Armstrong said: "Cities across the world see vibrant waterside communities playing an important part in their regeneration and there is no reason why Inverness should be any different.

"We would stress that the artist’s impressions represent only one possible reflection of the final proposals, but we believe the site offers an opportunity to create an iconic landmark building."

Donald Lockhart of the Albyn Housing Society, which has built houses in the area, said: "We have already seen the impact of our own investment in the area and the encouragement it has given to other developers.

"This waterside development, based on principles of quality, innovation and integration has the potential to continue this momentum and transform this part of Inverness.

"Many cities are developing their traditional harbourside areas for housing and Inverness has an opportunity with this proposed development to create something special and to respond to the strong demand in the city for housing for a range of residents."

The 2006 Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation Statistics ranked South Kessock the most deprived in the Highlands and the 49th most deprived area in Scotland. The figures are based on residents’ income, employment, health, education, housing, crime and access to services.