Highland Council appoints Savills for Town House commercial feasibility study after vacating the iconic building to save an estimated £370,000 annually
Property consulting services giant Savills has been appointed by Highland Council to produce a feasibility study and business case on the commercial use of Inverness Town House.
The confirmation of the contract award was made today after the tender was launched last August with the council looking to rent office space since it vacated the building in April 2023.
The council says the study needs an understanding of the commercial market environment and identification of the requirements that would be required to deliver and operate the commercial options identified.
The study will focus on identifying options and engagement with stakeholders on the potential uses of the building before preparing an outline business case that “considers the risks and challenges to provide a robust and sustainable outcome”.
The core principles underpinning the feasibility study are:
• the Town House retains a core function as a civic building in the heart of the city
• consideration to the position of the Town House and how it could align with the Castle Project and wider city developments
• any changes, or renovations required to the interior of the property are to support future uses and must be respectful of the building’s history and status
• a sustainable model is created for the operation of the Town House with the potential to make the property cost neutral or profitable
Savills associate director Adam Davies said: “This is an iconic building, with an important historical legacy, situated in the heart of a fast-growing city. Ensuring its continued civic accessibility, whilst also exploring complimentary uses, will be key to finding a vibrant and sustainable solution.”
