THE show CAN go on at a Highland music venue after plans to build a six-storey hotel on its site were drummed out.
Bricks Capital Hotels wanted to create a 160-plus bedroom hotel on the Inverness city centre site currently occupied by the Ironworks.
It was promised that the resulting Courtyard by Marriott hotel would provide 60 jobs.
The plan forced Ironworks bosses to look for a potential new home amidst ongoing Covid uncertainty.
Today the local planning committee ruled plans to demolish and replace the venue struck the wrong note and unanimously refused them.
Caroline Campbell, Ironworks director, commented: “Today’s decision allows us to move forward in delivering live music to the Highlands from our Academy Street base. Whilst we still don’t have long term certainty, it’s definitely business as usual for the Ironworks.
“I am pleased to be able to continue to sustain significant employment in the region, safeguarding 65 jobs and a much wider spend in the local supply chain and economy.”
The hotel would have seen demolition and construction crews move in on an L-shaped site from Academy Street to Rose Street.
Councillors said its size and appearance would have a “significant adverse impact” on the Riverside conservation area.
The news comes just weeks after gigs resumed after an eight-month shutdown. The performance by Highland folk-rock act Torridon was the first indoor concert in the country since the start of the pandemic.
Campbell went on: “As Scotland’s first live music venue to deliver events for 100 under new tier one guidelines, we’re excited to be announcing more upcoming socially distanced gigs today.
“Our diary is firmly open and we look forward to welcoming top talent to the Highlands, including our two rescheduled nights with Peat & Diesel next November.
“We’d like to thank our loyal customers and supporters who make everything we do possible and are delighted to continue bringing live music to the Highlands.”
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