Landmark project set for early finish

An Inverness contractor has highlighted the rising challenges of delivering a prominent inner city housing development amid a push to complete the project ahead of schedule.

IBI Joiners are currently building a four-storey housing and retail complex on the site of the old New Start Highland charity shop.

The property at 99 Church Street was torn down by Ark Estates to make way for the development of 10 affordable one-bedroom properties and a purpose-built ground floor residential unit.

The contractors are due to hand over the keys in November, but the builders believe the works can be completed well before that.

The build is one of two major city developments on their books, with work also under way at the former Arnotts department store on nearby Union Street.

Managing director Brian Innes spoke of how the firm has navigated difficulties dealt by the pandemic to make good progress on one of its most challenging projects to date.

He said: “Since coming back to site we have managed to make good progress.

“We are due to hand the project over in November and we are certainly on programme to do that but we will continue to hopefully push ahead and deliver it ahead of time.

“The biggest challenge is a mix of the site being so tight and the pandemic. The pandemic has caused things to be a lot slower so that has been a challenge.

“It’s a tight site with the access restrictions and buildings on both sides so it’s presented some challenges but the onsite team are doing great.”

Mr Innes added: “There also seems to be a fair shortage of materials across the board so that’s presented some challenges as well.

“Whether that was caused by suppliers being closed during the pandemic or whether it’s a mix of closures and Brexit, we will have to wait and see but it’s been tricky.”

Work on the city centre property began in August last year after a string of delays due to Covid rules.

Onsite workers had successfully demolished the former charity shop by late last year, marking the first major milestone for the city centre project.

Five months on, the development is taking shape, with significant interest already shown by retailers for the vacant ground floor property.

William Gray, managing director of Ark Estates, said: “We are really pleased with the level of interest in the retail unit.

“The last 12 months has been really challenging for the retail sector so to have such interest at this stage is a great sign for the city centre.”

The Church Street development is just one of two major projects by the Inverness firm in the area with works also ongoing at the former Arnotts and House of Fraser department store.

Developers Swilken Estates will preserve the landmark site from 7-11 Union Street and listed properties on neighbouring Baron Taylor Street.

A total of six commercial units will be created on the ground floor with 53 apartments created for long-term rental on the upper floors of the fourstorey property.

IBI Joiners are principle contractors on the project.

Mr Innes said: “We are coming from a joinery contracting background and the last couple of years we have ventured into principal contracting.

“It’s great that we are involved in two pretty major city centre projects.

“We are delighted to be involved in both and making a difference to housing in Inverness.”

PROUD: IBI Joiners managing director Brian Innes at the Church Street site in Inverness. Picture by Jason Hedges.