A new wine bar could be created at a vegetarian cafe in Inverness, as efforts to revitalise the city centre continue.
The owners of Nourish, on Church Street, hope the modification will lure in more customers and breathe new life into the business.
On street level, there will be a seating area for 26 people, with several wine display units.
A sampling room and public snug area is planned for the first floor.
Inverness Chamber of Commerce Chief Executive Stewart Nicol said: “I think it’s a really positive development. We are developing quite a quarter down there for food and drink and I think that this would add something different to the offering that we have for tourists and locals alike.”
The development is one of a number of schemes proposed for the street.
Plans have been approved by Highland councillors to transform a run-down office block there into 21 self-catering holiday lets.
Developers Glen Mhor Hotel originally proposed an additional floor onto the building at 14A Church Street – catering for eight apartments – before reapplying for planning approval without the extension following a two month review.
Highland councillors described the development during initial planning stages as an “appropriate city centre land use”.
Developers behind the award-winning Raining’s Stairs flats, Ark Estates have also outlined plans to demolish the existing New Start Highland charity shop, just two doors down, to make way for a modern housing block.
They aim to construct a four-storey block at 99 Church Street housing 10 one-bedroom flats, with a retail unit located on the ground floor facing onto the street.
The homeless charity, currently occupying the premises, are preparing to move to their new home in Invernes.
Meanwhile, Kit Fraser, owner of popular music venue Hootananny’s, has lodged plans with the Highland Council to transform the first and second floors into a 30-bed hostel to help meet the demand for accommodation.
The plans would entail the refurbishment of the existing Mad Hatters and Glow bar venues to cater for five dormitory rooms.
The ground floor bar and stage area will remain unchanged.
