Derelict site is new city gateway
THE regeneration of a landmark area of Inverness is now complete.
City Provost Helen Carmichael officially opened the transformed Raining’s Stairs, marking the completion of a project to rebuild the historic steps and build 16 new affordable homes for the Highland Council and the Highland Housing Alliance.
"The council would like to thank everybody involved in this project which has transformed and regenerated a derelict area providing the highest quality affordable housing while creating an extremely attractive entrance to the city centre," she said.
"The collaborative approach between the private sector, through Ark Estates, the Scottish Government, the Highland Housing Alliance and the Highland Council has overcome all the obstacles to deliver an exceptional project on one of the most difficult sites in Inverness."
The project developed derelict land, and involved the construction of 16 one and two bedroom flats and a small retail unit.
Six flats are available at an affordable rent from the council with 10 flats available at a mid-market rent from the alliance.
William Gray, of project developer Ark Estates, said: "We are delighted at the successful completion of what has been one of our most challenging projects.
"This was a very difficult site to build on and it’s testament to the skill of everybody involved that it worked out so well.
"We’re really proud of the end result, as well as with the commitment shown by everyone on the team which has been truly exceptional.
"Their hard work has helped us create what I’m sure will prove to be a real legacy project for Ark Estates."
Builders William Gray Construction also reconstructed the steps of the Raining’s Stairs as part of the project, with many of the old granite steps repurposed on the retaining walls of the new flats.
The project included funding from the Inverness City Region Deal.
