Step closer for new Inverness city centre homes
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
THIRTY-SEVEN new one and two bedroomed flats are a step closer.
Highland Council and Highland Housing Alliance are nearing the construction phase of Wyvern House in Academy Street – on the former Farmfoods site.
Demolition of the former supermarket building is almost complete and will make way for the flats for rent along with commercial units.
The project aims to bring life back to a derelict site and create new affordable city centre homes, funded by a package including money from council, the housing alliance, the Scottish Government and the Inverness City Deal.
Councillor Trish Robertson, vice-chairwoman of the council’s environment, development and infrastructure committee and a director on the housing alliance board, said: “It is exciting to see the redevelopment of this prime city site move a step forward.
"It comes hot on the heels of the redevelopment of 92-94 Academy Street across the road and the refurbishment of the former CAB offices into new homes so when completed Wyvern House is really going to play it’s part in enhancing this part of the city by providing new homes and new business opportunities.”
The next stage will involve the arrival of a crane.
Donald Mclachlan, project contractor Morrison Construction's regional managing director of building, said: ‘‘It’s an exciting milestone for this prestigious design and build project.
"Demolition and site clearance works that began late last year are nearing completion with the main contract set to begin in April.
‘‘We are delighted to be working again with Highland Council to deliver this development in the heart of Inverness, which will see our experienced team provide new homes and retail spaces.”
In the '50s and '60s the site was the premises of the SMT Vauxhall Garage and one of its best-selling models at the time was the Wyvern car. A Wyvern is a legendary creature with a dragon's head and wings that often appears in heraldry and features in many Celtic images.
