Plans to extend timeline for demolition of former music venue in Inverness

A bid to extend the timeline for the demolition of the former Ironworks music venue in Inverness to make way for a new hotel has been recommended for approval.

Highland Council has been asked to grant a section 42 application for the site located on Academy Street in the city centre.

If approved, it will extend the amount of time the developer has to start the project.

The application is due to be discussed by members of the south planning committee on Wednesday.

Planning permission for the site was originally granted in August 2022 to Bricks Group to allow the company to replace The Ironworks with a 155-bedroom Courtyard by Marriott hotel, after the music venue closed in February 2023.

But the company needed to purchase the site from Upland Properties Limited before any work could take place. This sale has yet to be confirmed and it was later reported that Bricks Group was facing liquidation.

Upland Properties Limited is an Aviemore-based company owned by Inverness businessman David Cameron.

Conditions attached to the original planning application state that work must begin on the site by June 8, 2026.

The Section 42 application states work is “unlikely” to begin on time due to “ongoing negotiations with the intended operator and associated discharge of pre-start suspensive conditions”.

It adds that the applicant, listed as Upland Developments Limited on the report, has “demonstrated a clear and reasonable justification” for the extension.