The Highland Council has welcomed the progress being made on the development of a new sustainable Energy Centre, funded by the UK Government Levelling Up Fund, on site on Castle Street, in Inverness.

A new sustainable Energy Centre, funded by the UK Government Levelling Up Fund, is now taking shape on site on Castle Street, in Inverness.

The building will supply clean renewable energy via heat pumps to Inverness Castle and Inverness Town House, significantly reducing the operational carbon consumption of both buildings.

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After careful preparation and consolidation works to the existing masonry structure, on which it is built, the Energy Centre’s new steel frame has been erected allowing the form of the building to be seen for the first time.

The facetted roofline of the energy centre has been designed to follow the contours of the sloping site, making for a dynamic silhouette, and enhancing the building’s connection to the surrounding landscape.

As well as providing renewable energy, the building will act as a gateway to the redeveloped Inverness Castle, with improved public pedestrian access being made from Castle Street and Castle Wynd up to the castle esplanade.

Three projects along the River Ness in Inverness are being supported with almost £20 million from the Levelling Up Fund.

The projects – Castle Street Energy Centre, Northern Meeting Park refurbishment, and upgrades to Bught Park - will boost the city’s sporting and cultural attractions, preserve key heritage assets, help attract more tourists, and assist in achieving net zero carbon targets.