Caol improvements ready to break ground
Caol Regeneration Company (CRC) can move on with essential renovations to the Kilmallie Road shopping area and other improvements, writes Richard Mason.
As reported last week, Ladbrokes were the last landowner to confirm its agreement to the work. All the other businesses that own a stake in the car park land have agreed to make a contribution to the renovations.
The renovation work is focused on the drains around the perimeter that are almost all completely collapsed and causing flooding.
CRC was the only Lochaber group to win funding from the Scottish Government’s Town Centre Fund, administered by the Highland Council.
It is hoped a new pedestrian crossing, upgraded benches, new bins for the square and the renovated car park drains will improve the experience of those who use the square.
CRC secretary Linda Campbell said: ‘In the brief for the fund, we need contributions from landowners when renovating land not owned by the council. This is why it took so long to move ahead with the renovations as we needed to have a dialogue with the landowners. When we spoke with representatives from Ladbrokes and the Co-Op, they were apologetic for their lack of action. We are over the hurdle now and the team can’t wait to get the diggers in.’
The team has tenders out to three contractors but still need to finalise quotes before work begins. It hopes to do this soon and get the work completed as quickly as it can.