Savills has been commissioned to assess the future commercial potential of one of Inverness’s most cherished landmarks, the historic Town House.
The Highland Council, acting on behalf of the Inverness Common Good Fund, has appointed Savills (UK) Ltd to conduct a feasibility study on the building’s long-term use.
Councillor Ian Brown, Leader of Inverness and Area, welcomed the decision, highlighting the importance of securing a sustainable future for the Town House amid ongoing developments in the city.
He expressed confidence that the study’s findings would help shape a viable strategy that preserves the building’s legacy while embracing new opportunities.
Provost of Inverness, Councillor Glynis Campbell Sinclair, echoed this sentiment, praising the expertise of Savills in assessing commercial prospects for historic properties.
She emphasised that, following the relocation of Highland Council staff to headquarters in 2023, efforts have been ongoing to ensure the Town House remains a central civic venue while also exploring new roles for the landmark.
Councillor Alex Graham, Chair of the Inverness Common Good Sub Committee, stressed the committee’s duty to maximise the value of Common Good Fund assets for the benefit of the people of Inverness.
He underscored the feasibility study’s aim to enhance the Town House’s commercial viability while preserving its historical and civic significance.
Savills’ Associate Director, Adam Davies, expressed the company’s enthusiasm in undertaking the project, recognising the Town House’s historic and cultural importance in the heart of a growing city.
He stated that the study will balance civic accessibility with new commercial opportunities, ensuring a sustainable future for the property.
Drawing from extensive experience in heritage asset management, Savills will explore various future uses to create a vibrant and enduring role for the Town House.
Their research will involve stakeholder engagement and market analysis to pinpoint viable commercial options that complement the building’s heritage.
A core focus of the study is maintaining the Town House’s function as a civic hub while aligning potential uses with broader city developments, such as the Castle Project.
Any proposed renovations will be carefully considered to respect the building’s architectural and historical integrity.
Sustainability is a key element, with an emphasis on developing a model that could make the Town House cost-neutral or even profitable in the long run.
The study will culminate in an outline business case that assesses risks, challenges, and operational requirements for any recommended changes.
Findings from the feasibility study will be presented to the City of Inverness Area Committee later this spring.
For further details on the Town House, visit www.theinvernesstownhouse.co.uk
