Grant awarded to secure future of city centre buildings and businesses
The Inverness Townscape Heritage Project has announced a grant award of £42,197 towards the costs of repairs to 21-25 Academy Street.
21 and 23 Academy Street are home to Coyote Coffee & Doughnuts and Craig Wood Solicitors. A new tenant will be taking up residence at 25 Academy Street, the former Highland Schoolwear shop, following the completion of repairs.
21 25 Academy street
The grant of £42,197 covers 50% of costs, with the remainder being funded by the building owners. It will see vital repairs carried out on the building that was once described as “small scale but quite punchy Victorian Renaissance” by the late John Gifford, author of the Buildings of Scotland series and architectural historian.
This is one of a series of investments by the Inverness Townscape Heritage Project (ITHP), which is a partnership regeneration project focusing on Academy Street, and follows work currently underway at the former Rose Street Foundry and Blackfriars. ITHP is a collaboration of funding partners including National Lottery Heritage Fund (NLHF), Historic Environment Scotland (HES) via the Inverness City Heritage Trust (ICHT) and is coordinated and led by Highland Council.
Work proposed as part of the grant award includes refurbishment and repair of the roof and chimney, leadwork and stonework repairs.
Commenting on the grant award, Highland Councillor Jimmy Gray, Chair of the Inverness Townscape Heritage Partnership, said: “There are a number of significant developments happening on Academy Street at the moment and it’s great to see other buildings on this historic street getting the attention they deserve. This grant will allow the building owners to carry out repairs sympathetic to its original features, while preparing it for the future. I look forward to seeing a new tenant occupying number 25 and hope they benefit from the many regeneration projects happening on Academy Street.”
Bob Tilford, owner of 25 Academy Street, said: “Receiving grant funding from Inverness Townscape Heritage Project has enabled us to carry out necessary repairs. Parts of the building being renewed will be done so like-for-like, including Scottish slate and cast-iron guttering replacements. I look forward to welcoming our new tenants following the completion of work.”