£12m project planned for site of former department store

A £12m retail and residential development has been planned on the site of a former department store in Inverness.

The project, which could receive a funding boost from the Scottish Government, aims to regenerate the area around the former Arnotts store in the city.

The development will see six new retail units created, with four on Union Street and two fronting onto Baron Taylor’s Street, linked by an internal courtyard connecting two of the centre’s busiest thoroughfares.

The upper floors of the four storey development would house 53 apartments for the Highland Council and the Highland Housing Alliance.

The Swilken Estates project is due to be completed in mid-2021 and would create up to 200 local jobs during construction

Developer Stuart Pender, said: “After an unforeseen delay due to Covid-19, we are looking forward to starting the construction phase on this major development.

“It is set to be a massive boost for the city, creating a large number of jobs as well as providing six new retail units and 53 high quality affordable homes.

“We are delighted to be making such a significant investment in Inverness city centre which will play a key part in the regeneration of Union Street, Baron Taylor’s Street and the wider city centre area.”