Work progresses on new city park

Leisure: First in Inverness since Victorian times

Work will soon start on the next phase of what will become the first proper city park in Inverness since Victorian times.

The second phase of Inshes District Park will boast an entrance plaza overlooking the city, as well as winding paths, areas of wild flowers, a pond and a waterfall. The hope is that walkers, joggers and cyclists, as well as families, can make use of the green space.

The intention is to give this part of the park a more natural feel than the first phase by Sir Walter Scott Drive which boasts play equipment, a football pitch, a shelter and seating areas.

The third and final phase of the project will extend the park up the hill to Milton of Leys – and the hope is to finish in 2020. Funding will depend on developer contributions from more local house building.

The Inshes Community Association has been responsible for the creation of the park and has fundraised thousands of pounds for the project, with the help of developer contributions to Highland Council.

Former local councillor Thomas Prag, chairman of the community association, said: “It will probably be the first proper park in Inverness since Victorian times.

“It’s not just a park for the local area – it’s a city park. It’s for everyone in Inverness and particularly with the West Link open that will make access easier. The city is growing and needs green space and places where people can get out and breathe. This will become a really important lung to Inverness.

“The planners also deserve some plaudits for making sure that bit of land was left alone.”

Edinburgh-based P1 Solutions Ltd will take on the £580,000 council contract for the second phase, an area of 15.6acres between Stevenson Road and Inshes Road.

The council will pay for the construction of the entrance plaza at the access from Stevenson Road, a 20-space car park and areas of open space and paths which will link to a footbridge over Inshes Road. Funding comes from developer contributions.

The community association has also raised money for a “wheel park” for youngsters with skateboards, bikes and scooters.

Groundworks will start in the new year and are expected to last about 18 weeks. A separate planting and landscaping contract will follow, with work expected to take place in 2018 and 2019.

Phase three will be the largest area, covering 35.6acres, and is expected to finish in 2020. The intention is to make it an even wilder area with a few meandering paths.

Inverness South councillor Ken Gowans welcomed the contract award as “great news” for adding another parkland amenity in the area.

Thomas Prag: lung to city