Ironworks decision: Reaction from music venue and hotel developers following crunch council vote
Earlier today, councillors narrowly decided to approve plans for a 133-bed Courtyard by Marriott hotel which will replace Ironworks.
Last updated 18th Aug 2022
A Highland music venue boss has thanked all those involved for their "continued support" as a new large hotel is set to replace it.
Earlier today, councillors on the South Planning Committee narrowly decided to approve plans for a 133-bed Courtyard by Marriott hotel.
Caroline Campbell from Ironworks paid tribute to all those who helped them during the 14 years they've spent on Academy Street.
Hotel developers Bricks Capital say it will bring a £30 million inward investment to Inverness.
Ironworks "so much more than a live music venue"
Following today's decision, Ironworks Venue Director Caroline Campbell said: "We’ve had a fantastic 14 years at 122b Academy Street as the area’s largest independent music venue.
"From the very start, our vision was to establish a unique and distinctive destination that music fans from the Highlands and Islands could call their own.
"A place they could come together, form new friendships and see some of their favourite acts.
"Over the years, we’re proud that Ironworks has brought some of the highest profile global artists and bands to Highland and Islands audiences.
"As a venue, we made an early commitment to ensure local music industry sat at the very heart of what we do, building important developmental opportunities for regionally based musicians, promoters, engineers and event staff, enabling them to gain key skills and experience in a professional, purpose-built environment.
"As many of you will be aware, Ironworks is so much more than just a live music venue.
"We have always felt an important responsibility to make the space available as a wider community asset, from opening our doors for charity, private and public events, to working with partners on a range of training, accessibility, job coaching and skills development programmes.
"The Ironworks has hosted some truly magical nights and it has been a privilege watching the power of live music connect people in such a meaningful way.
"We genuinely hope we’ve given you some of the best nights of your life and created memories that will stay with you forever.
"We expect to remain in operation until at least the end of 2022 at our current location and are still very much open for business.
"We will continue to promote and deliver our upcoming events with tickets remaining valid and fully protected, so please continue to book at www.ironworksvenue.com
"We’d like to sincerely thank our customers, staff, performers, suppliers and industry partners for all their support over the years and for helping us create something we should all be incredibly proud of.
"We’ll keep everyone updated as plans are agreed, so watch this space. In the meantime, from everyone at Ironworks, we really can’t thank you enough for your continued support."
Hotel will bring 165 jobs
Bricks Capital confirmed they will now be meeting with Ironworks to discuss a "mutually agreed" timetable.
Allan Davidson, the Invernessian who is chief operating officer of Bricks Group, said: "We’re absolutely delighted that we’ve been successful and that we can look forward to providing my home city with a new hotel to meet the demand which industry experts have predicted.
"We will now sit down with the Ironworks management with the aim of reaching a mutually agreeable timetable.
"This approval brings a £30 million inward investment to Inverness and will assist the city centre’s economic recovery. There will be 65 full-time jobs in addition to more than 100 jobs in the construction phase.
"It has been a long journey to reach this point but we liaised very closely with the Highland Council planners and its Historic Environment Team and Design Review Panel to make the amendments which allowed them all to recommend approval.
"We’ll be taking stock of the situation and devising an action plan to deliver, in due course, a project which will be an asset to the city."