Inverness City Centre Development Brief - The Highland Council

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Inverness City Centre Development Brief 1. Old Town As the name suggests the Old Town, which incorporates the area between the river and Academy Street and from Friars Street to High Street, is the oldest part of Inverness. Although it holds some of the City’s richest heritage and is a key visitor attraction, a lack of investment and declining footfall has resulted in a loss of vitality and vibrancy. This in turn has resulted in a number of regeneration opportunities. Adaptation of Historic Buildings Much of the Old Town’s wealth of built heritage is largely underutilised. This is particularly the case with the upper floors of historic buildings. A key opportunity to re-energise the City Centre, therefore, is the sensitive re-use of historic properties. The adaptation and re-use of historic buildings, including upper floors should be considered as part of any regeneration proposal. The townscape of the Old Town and other areas covered by the two conservation areas will be safeguarded and enhanced by resisting development proposals that would adversely affect the character or historic interest. As a result there is a presumption against demolition 15
Inverness City Centre Development Brief or other development that may adversely affect a listed building or its setting. It should be noted that proposals for the demolition of a listed or historic buildings within a conservation area will be assessed against the Scottish Historic Environment Policy (SHEP). Permeability Maximising accessibility and the flow of movement to, from and within areas of the City Centre is crucial. One of the key proposals is to develop a strategy to improve the permeability of the Old Town area, specifically around the north of Academy Street and Church Street. Opportunities exist to enhance the connectivity to the main streets, the city’s key assets and from arrival points. Specifically, traffic rationalisation on Academy Street would assist with improving links between the bus and rail stations, and Rose Street Car Park with the Old Town. The West Link will significantly reduce congestion within the City Centre. However, significant amendments to the road network will be limited until this is completed. Improving connections to the river front presents another key opportunity. The Old Town lacks clear vistas to naturally steer people to the river frontage and the main linking streets (Bank Lane and Fraser Street) are currently not inviting for pedestrians. Consequently short term proposals could include wayfinding and interpretation improvements such as introducing clear and simple signage to direct pedestrian flow to the riverside. In addition, opportunities exist to remove unnecessary traffic and parking on Bank Lane and Fraser Street. Redirecting bus routes from Union Street may also allow for the removal of the right hand filter and in turn could lead to the creation of a pedestrian crossing opposite the Victorian Market. Longer term proposals may include the redevelopment of the buildings surrounding Bank Lane and providing pedestrians with priority on Fraser Street. Victorian Market Action Area The Victorian Market is one of the City Centre’s most unique and valuable assets but it has potential to attract a wider range of visitors. The Victorian Market also presents the most feasible location to promote as a dedicated tourist facility in the short term. As a result the Council has identified the following development opportunities which could help create a more vibrant Victorian Market place: • Enhancing the legibility of the entry points to the market would help to create a more welcoming environment and attract passers-by. Further streetscape works at the main entrance and at Falcon Square, including clearly defined pedestrian crossings, would also help to direct people into the market. 16
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Inverness City Centre Development Brief - The Highland Council

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