Councillors face a huge dilemma today as they ponder killing off the controversial “tilting pier” artwork project.
The interactive exhibit proposed for a spot by Eden Court Theatre in Inverness is part of a wider £760,000 riverside arts initiative.
Almost £65,000 has already been spent on the flagship “Gathering Place” as the pier space is also known.
Council officers now say scrapping it would cost the remaining £259,000 pledged by government agency Creative Scotland for the exhibit and penalise the Inverness common good fund, which contributed to the overall cost, by £91,000.
A public demonstration is expected at the Glenurquhart Road meeting amid anger over both the expense and the council’s handling of the process.
The summit will reassess the merits of the Chilean-designed wooden platform. And some councillors want a vote to scrap it.
Public feedback has been mixed but some are concerned about visual impact and its expense in the year the council had to slash its budget by £50million due to government funding cuts.
City manager David Haas said: “What we’ve tried to do is point out the financial implications should the committee decide to adjust the programme, which is entirely within their gift.
“If we continue with the programme as stated we keep the funding package together.”
However, he said the agency funding was specifically for the pier. And it emerged yesterday (THURS) that a separate £65,000 Highlands and Islands Enterprise grant towards the wider costs also hinged on the platform being built.
Creative Scotland pledged £305,600; the common good fund £281,000; Highland Council £104,000 and HIE £66,000.
SIDEBAR
SPENT BUDGET REMAINING
Gathering Place £64,837 £305,274
River Connections £40,240 £34,266
Rest Spaces £7,671 £42,000
The Trail £4,668 £22,750
Sculptures £11,006 £63,500
Kids’ Feature £4,671 £45,000
Development Cost £85,018 £0
Client Contingency £5,116 £21,734
TOTAL £223,227 £534,523
