The Highland Council has awarded the contract for the Northern Meeting Park refurbishments, as part of UK Government’s Levelling Up Fund, to Morrison Construction from Inverness.
This announcement signals the next critical stage for the project with the start of the construction work that is vital in developing the future of the park.
The Northern Meeting Park is one of three projects along the River Ness in Inverness being supported with almost £20 million from the Levelling Up Fund. The projects 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.
UK Government Minister for Scotland Malcolm Offord said:
“This is a major step forward in the refurbishment of the historic Northern Meeting Park, which will improve sporting and cultural facilities in Inverness for locals and visitors.”
“This park is one of three projects in the area the UK Government is supporting with £20 million investment, as part of £2.5 billion for levelling-up across Scotland.”
The Highland Council’s Inverness City and Area Leader Councillor Ian Brown, and Co-Chair of the Levelling Up Fund Programme Board, said:
“We are delighted to be working with Morrison Construction to progress with the refurbishments at the Northern Meeting Park in Inverness, and in doing so, delivering on our commitments to work with local companies where possible.”
“We need to reduce our carbon emissions to contribute to Scotland’s climate targets. It’s a huge task but once completed this project will leave a positive environmental legacy for our Highland communities.”
Drew Hendry, MP and Co-Chair of the Levelling Up Fund Programme Board, said:
“The award of this construction contract is a key milestone in the development of the Levelling Up funded projects for the Highlands and I am very pleased that a local firm will be carrying out the work. This provides opportunities for the local workforce, as we work together towards a more sustainable future.”
“The Northern Meeting Park refurbishments are of great significance for Inverness and the Highlands. They will provide modern and energy efficient facilities, supporting a broad range of cultural events and sporting activity for years to come.”
Donald Mclachlan, Managing Director, Morrison Construction Highland, said:
“We are delighted to have been awarded this important contract and look forward to working closely with The Highland Council to deliver the refurbishments at the Northern Meeting Park. As always, we aim to maximise the use of local sub-contractors and provide training and apprenticeship opportunities for local people”.
All three Levelling Up Fund projects will support the UK Government Net Zero Carbon agenda by providing sustainable energy to Northern Meeting Park, sustainable energy to Bught Park and a renewable Energy Centre for Inverness Castle.
Construction on site is planned to commence in January 2024.
