Public probed over Invergordon Town Hall's future
Highland Council is looking to dispose of Invergordon Town Hall, one of the last significant assets of the Common Good Fund.
The local authority has launched an eight-week public consultation before making a decision on what to do with the facility, also locally known as the Town House.
The building, which requires “significant refurbishment”, has been at the centre of a number of unsuccessful attempts to boost usage and attract funding.
Maintenance and running costs are outstripping income with the local authority unwilling to commit capital funding to upgrade it.
Contacted for comment, Cromarty Firth councillor Maxine Smith said the building needs “a lot of care and attention” with sandstone already coming off the roof.
She said there had been talk of bringing back a cinema and various attempts to secure refurbishment funding.
If sold, there would have to be a further discussion on the use of any monies raised, she said. Cash would go into the Invergordon Common Good Fund.
She said: “If someone bought it privately they could change the inside with a building warrant, but would have to protect the integrity of the outside. At least then we can view it as it once used to look with the amazing Neptune sculpture near the roof above the entrance.”
The consultation will close on March 22. The full consultation document and guidance is available at www.highland.gov.uk/info/20010/community_planning/830/common_good_asset_changes
Written responses can be made by email to commongood@highland.gov.uk or to Sara Murdoch, The Highland Council HQ, Glenurquhart Road, Inverness, IV3 5NX.
