Plans for a residential development at an eyesore empty site in the centre of Inverness will go before councillors this week.
Tulloch Homes hopes to build 60 homes on the land, formerly occupied by the swimming baths at Glebe Street, close to the River Ness.
Members of Highland Council’s south planning applications committee will discuss the future of the site on Tuesday.
A full planning application is expected to be made in the New Year.
The land is jointly owned by the Inverness-based housing company and Edinburgh firm Valad.
City leaders have welcomed the idea of the site being redeveloped.
It has lain empty since 1997 and is currently in use as a storage yard by contractors working on the ongoing flood-alleviation scheme on the riverside.
Councillor Thomas Prag, chairman of the planning, development and infrastructure committee, said: “It is a very important site and whatever goes there, it must look right and contribute to the vitality of the city centre and riverside.”
The area, which is visible from the busy Friars Bridge carrying the A82 Inverness to Fort William road over the river, has degenerated into an eyesore since the swimming pool closed 17 years ago.
Highland Council previously granted permission for a hotel development but the scheme did not go ahead.
It had been hoped that Aberdeen-based company Carlton Rock’s proposals for would bring new life to the riverside area but the plans were withdrawn in January this year, just days before councillors were due to discuss them.
It is understood the firm failed to attract an operator for the development.
More recently, Highland Council planning officials suggested the site could become home to a new museum and gallery.