Ironworks Inverness furore reignites as music fans and sceptical Highlanders debate the pros and cons of a community buy-out as Marriott hotel plan faces collapse
Furore over the future of the empty Ironworks building in Inverness has sparked local debate about a possible community buy-out of the site.
It emerged on Thursday that the company planning to redevelop the much-loved live music venue into a £30 million hotel had gone into liquidation.
It was unclear whether the failed developer, Hong Kong-owned Bricks Capital (UK) Ltd, had actually completed the purchase from Upland Properties, run by Aviemore-based businessman David Cameron.
When we spoke to him yesterday, Mr Cameron refused to say whether or not he still held ownership of the property, adding: “I’ll tell you this, it is none of your bloody business.”
After we pointed out that the future of the site was of huge interest to local people and the city of Inverness, Mr Cameron slammed down the phone.
The loss of Ironworks – which hosted many great acts such as Van Morrison, Travis, Calvin Harris, Primal Scream, Morrissey, Gerry Cinnamon and Biffy Clyro – was mourned by many music lovers in the city.
Courtyard by Marriott, mentioned by Bricks in the successful Highland Council planning application as future operators of the hotel, have also so far declined to comment.
Bricks’ successful planning application is not proof that they completed the purchase.
Such applications can be made before ownership is secured, given developers’ reluctance to risk buying property without permissions in place.
Our stories yesterday drew suggestions from readers that the community could rally together and launch a crowdfunder to complete a buy-out under Scottish Government Community Rights to Buy legislation.
The process, which can take anything from a few months to several years, can be complex.
It has most commonly been used by communities to take control of estate lands from private owners.
One reader Frank Cooper epitomised a large body of opinion when he wrote that Ironworks was a “good music venue, gone to waste for no good reason”.
As the story provoked renewed anger and debate over Ironworks’ fate, Daz Alexander suggested: “All the bands/artists in Inverness should start a massive crowdfunder and buy it.
Simon Allison responded: “I think the local community would support that.”
Jennifer MacDonald said: “It’s so awful that this great music venue has been lying unused for so long.
Top Stories
“We definitely need a good music venue in Inverness… a growing city that should be able to attract bigger music legends and bands to Inverness.
“Do we actually need another hotel? Bring back the venues.”
Others, though, warned that the Ironworks – previously operated by private tenants – had struggled financially.
Paul Wilson said: “Buying it is the least of the problems. Staffing it, running it and generating sufficient income from hiring it is the real challenge.
“If it was for sale for £1 and had to take on all the financial responsibility, I think I'd keep my £1.”
Rob Milne warned: “Be aware the building is just an empty shell. The sound system was removed and auctioned off some time ago.
“The Ironworks was never anything other than a private enterprise with no council involvement.”
Matthew Maclennan stressed: “When the Ironworks ran as an arts venue it was owned by a group of private individuals. They wanted to sell up and cash in their investment.
“The hotel company came along thinking that it was a good idea. The deal fell through and now the building lies unused which is a shame.
“It would be great if Inverness had the Ironworks again but unless private money comes together to run it or the council tries to do it I don't think it will happen.
“I doubt it'll be much of a money making enterprise, which I'm sorry to say is what investors want. The council will probably run it into the ground.
“I don't know what the answer is but it would be really great to see it back as a live venue again.”
There was plenty of deep scepticism.
Mark Lawless said: “I’m not convinced that it could be run at a profit.”
Ray Shields added: “Even the old ironworks company said they wouldn't buy it as it would cost too much to set up and run. So what hope of a crowdfund doing it and losing their money?”
And Robert Reston MacIntosh concluded: “What happens when the community group falls out or dies out ? It’s a very poor model of ownership.”
