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INVERNESS could be set to start the new year with a huge boost with a state-of-the-art transformation of part of the city centre into a public transport hub.
The Courier understands that Network Rail is close to securing a deal to acquire several key sites around the railway and bus stations in the Highland capital.
Sources close to the deal were remaining tight-lipped but “under offer” signs have gone up at the former Royal Mail sorting depot in Strothers Lane, which has been empty since the spring.
It is understood the current TK Maxx store could also form part of the bold new plan to transform the area and the region’s public transport system.
City leaders have got their fingers crossed that the Royal Mail site at least will be part of an ambitious vision for the city.
A spokesman for Inverness property consultants Graham and Sibbald – which is marketing the site for an undisclosed sum – confirmed talks were progressing with a potential buyer, but would not say who that was or what their intended use for the site would be.
Both the former depot building and an adjacent site in Railway Terrace are up for grabs.
City business and political leaders have previously spoken about the site as the ideal location for an enhanced public transport hub, providing better and clearer links between the railway and bus stations and creating a more welcoming first impression for visitors.
Stewart Nicol, chief executive of Inverness Chamber of Commerce, said he had seen the under offer signs go up at the site but did not know who the potential buyers were.
“It is positive that it seems to be making progress,” he said, adding that it would be a “missed opportunity” if the existing building was simply replaced with another similar construction.
“It’s far too important a site for it to be used for something like that,” he said.
“It’s a key part of the city centre. There is plenty of space for warehouses at the Longman Industrial Estate.”
Fraser Grieve, regional director of the Scottish Council for Development and Industry said any offer made for the site represented a “positive step” forwards.
“There has been a lot of talk over the years – particularly since Royal Mail moved out,” he said.
“There is an opportunity to make much better use of that site, given previous discussions. I would really hope that we don’t miss the chance to do something special with it.”
Inverness Central councillor Bet McAllister said she would like to see the site put to good cultural use, perhaps allowing for the expansion of the neighbouring Inverness Library or even a new home for the city’s museum.
“I don’t want a warehouse right next to the library, which is a listed building,” she said.
The city railway station is still in line for a previously announced £6 million revamp. There is currently no confirmed start date for the long-mooted project, although a spokesman for ScotRail said it was in the process of finalising funding and the scope of the work to take place.
“This investment will improve the service we offer to our customers and support the local economy, while preserving the station’s history,” he said.
It is not known whether the delay to the refurbishment project – work had originally been expected to get under way in summer 2018 – is connected to the wider transport hub plan.
Network Rail failed to respond to requests for comment.
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