New hotel designs for Ironworks site to go on display

Allan Davidson is the Managing Director of Bricks Capital Hotels, he said: 'Our 162 bedroom hotel can cater up to 100,000 guests annually and that would be a major economic boost for the city centre and for Highland Council's plans to regenerate Academy Street.

'We have held a very detailed pre-application meeting with planning officials and outlined how out hotels can contribute to the council's plans to regenerate Academy Street.

'The outcome of the discussions has left us in the positive mood that we will receive a fair hearing when the application is considered at the December meeting of the Planning Committee.'

Mr Davidson added: 'I'm delighted at the prospect of benefiting my home city in this way.'

The hotel would open in 2021 on the site of the present Ironworks music venue, whose owner has signed a legal agreement with the landlord accepting notice to vacate once the hotel receives planning consent.

Mr Davidson has indicated he has allowed for a 12 month window from planning in the development plan to allow the Ironworks to remain open. This is designed to help in the proprietor's plans to find an alternative location.

The public consultation is open from 2pm until 8pm on Thursday 19 September in the Mercure Hotel.