The Press and Journal (Inverness, Highlands, and Islands)
Masterplan open to public
Development: Councillors respond to Torvean Gateway construction plan
Multi-million-pound plans to develop the “gateway to the Highlands” were unveiled yesterday.
Community representatives, schoolchildren and members of the public made their way to Charleston Community Centre to look at outline plans for the redevelopment of Inverness west at Torvean.
On show was the indicative masterplan for the development of West
“It’s important to preserve green spaces for the future”
Link Phase 2, now known as the Torvean Gateway, following long-awaited construction of the bypass on the outskirts of the city.
The first stage will begin in April with the construction of the fivespur roundabout, serving the new swing bridge at Tomnahurich, the A82, the realigned General Booth road, and providing access to the canal and rowing club.
The Kings – formerly Torvean – golf course will complete its relocation to its new home, leaving two large areas of land for redevelopment.
The council has earmarked this land for a potential new school, a small residential site, community and mixed use, a hotel, and two parks.
Councillors and planners were on hand to answer questions.
Councillor Alex Graham said:“It’s important to preserve green spaces for the future and not to build on everything.
“It’s also good that space has been earmarked for commercial use south of the A82, including a hotel. That creates work for local people.”
Councillor Bill Boyd said: “With the relocation of the first eight holes of the golf course to the other side of the A82 we are presented with a magnificent opportunity to redevelop the space.
“But we must provide adequate car-parking and perhaps park-and-ride and active travel facilities for visitors.”
Depute Provost Graham Ross said: “People are contributing lots of ideas, and the more ideas we have the more we have the opportunity to create something that gives people what they require in the area.”
Local parent and childminder Louise Morris said: “I would be delighted if the school would go ahead because our schools are really pushed, and also more housing as I’ve been on the council housing list for some time.”
She added: “Another park for all different age ranges of children would be amazing.”
Alastair Mckenzie of Inverness and Culloden Rotary said Torvean offered the perfect space for the club’s project to create a safe cycle training area.
He said: “Inverness is crowded and this is the best space we’ve seen to advance our project.”
The consultation is open until Friday January 25.