Plans have been submitted to build a new residential and commercial development in Inverness.

Capital Developments is proposing to redevelop the building at 79 Academy Street into 40 'affordable' flats and four commercial units on the ground floor.

Designed by NORR Architects, the project aims to enhance the regeneration of Academy Street, a gateway into Inverness City Centre. Subject to planning, work will start on site in Spring 2018 with completion by Autumn 2019.

Highland Housing Alliance chief executive, Gail Matheson, said: "Today a planning application has been submitted to The Highland Council for a new mixed use development that will reinvigorate Academy Street, a historic gateway to the City Centre.

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"79 Academy Street will be a landmark development for the City of Inverness, comprising 40 new homes for rent further opening it up to City Centre living. The new scheme builds on the success of our 2016 Academy Street development that delivered 17 National Housing Trust homes along with 14 rented homes for The Highland Council. Four commercial units will potentially add new business opportunities and the regeneration of Academy Street.

Bill Nelson of Capital Developments, said: "The building, previously tenanted by Farm Foods, has been unoccupied for quite some time and is no longer "fit for purpose".

"If planning permission is granted we believe this significant investment will help revitalise the City Centre."

Image: CGI of scheme at 79 Academy Street (credit: NORR Architects).

(LM/MH)