Work on a multimillion pound transformation of the heart of Inverness is poised to get under way within weeks – creating more than 100 new jobs.
The revamp of the city’s Falcon Square and Eastgate Centre will include five new restaurants, and bosses unveiled the first tenants last night.
American chain Smashburger and pizza and pasta specialists Wildwood were confirmed as among the restaurants to be built in the extended shopping centre, which will face onto Falcon Square.
Talks with operators for the two other eateries earmarked for the ground floor of the mall are ongoing, and work is also due to start on extending the Filling Station restaurant on Academy Street so it also faces onto Falcon Square.
Local builder William Gray Construction has secured the contract for the work, paving the way for 45 construction jobs, while Smashburger alone says that it intends to employ between 40 and 50 people in Inverness, and more expected at Wildwood.
New plants, lighting and seating will also be installed in the square, as well as a revamp of the side entrance to Inverness Rail Station, while a later phase of the project will feature a new bar and restaurant being built on the roof of the Eastgate Centre.
Business leaders view the overhaul as a vital part of efforts to increase footfall and improve the experience of visitors to the centre of the Highland capital.
Eastgate is also competing with the city’s biggest retail park, where a new Nando’s and Frankie and Benny’s opened at the start of the year.
Last night, Eastgate Centre manager Jackie Cuddy said: “We are all incredibly excited to see this development getting under way.
“It has been in the planning stage for a while and will transform Falcon Square and economically benefit the city centre.”
The redevelopment blueprint evolved from a previous plan for new shops and a cinema, which were inherited by Scoop Asset Management when it bought the Eastgate Centre from BMO Real Estate Partners in 2015 as part of a £116million deal.
The scheme was approved by councillors last year, although the developers had to go back to the drawing board on the proposal for the Filling Station after the initial design was rejected.
Tracy Gehlan, managing director of Smashburger UK, said: “Inverness represents a fantastic regional opportunity for us to expand in Scotland after we launch our first two Scottish sites in Glasgow and Dunfermline.
“We found the perfect site at Falcon Square with high footfall and can’t wait to bring Smashburger to the local people as well as support the local community by creating 40-50 new jobs.”
Mr Gray said: “We are delighted to be involved in this major redevelopment project which demonstrates both the confidence that Eastgate have in William Gray Construction and a great commitment by the new owners to continue to support the local supply chain.”
