A shortlist of two potential suppliers for the delivery of the upgrade to the play park at Whin Park were chosen in May, which was followed by a public consultation featuring two possible designs.

The final results of the consultation revealed that 77.8% of respondents preferred Design 1 and 22.2% voted for Design 2. Schools in Inverness were also consulted, and Design 1 was also the favourite.

Design 1 was the overwhelming favourite in the eyes of the public and this will now be delivered by the winning contractor, Jupiter Play & Leisure Ltd.

Michael Hoenigmann, managing director of Jupiter Play & Leisure, said: “Jupiter Play & Leisure Ltd is delighted that its design for Whin Park, Inverness has been chosen by the local community.

“The team worked hard to design a project that was unique to the area, offering a wide range of play experiences for all ages and abilities and which could be accessed by all, even in inclement weather.”

He added: “The focus on creating a sense of place along with the use of high-quality materials will ensure that the play area is well used and loved by the community for many years to come.

“The inclusion of the Sona Interactive Dance Arch, the first product of its kind in the Highlands, utilises the latest technology to encourage children and communities to be more active outdoors with a range of games which can be changed regularly offering a new experience every visit.”

Cllr Graham MacKenzie, chair of Highland Council’s communities and place committee, said: “This is another significant milestone on the journey to create a first class play offering at Whin Park.

“The winning design, and particularly its elements of inclusivity, are at the heart of the council’s playpark strategy. We firmly believe play is for all.”

Cllr Ian Brown, leader of Inverness and Area, added: “The response to the consultation was overwhelming and I’d like to thank everyone who took the time to choose their favourite design.

“Now that the contractor has been announced we are moving ever closer to seeing the chosen design come to life and ultimately witness young people of all abilities enjoying the benefits of play and interaction.”

The chosen design is expected to closely represent the final installation, but as is common during many projects of this scale, some minor adjustments may be made, and the final install will also reflect feedback received from the public consultation.

Works are set to begin in October and expected to be complete sometime in April 2025.

Whin Park’s transformation will include a varied range of sustainable play equipment supported by core facilities at the park, including toilet provision and the boating pond.

Recognising the importance of Whin Park as a destination facility, £234,988 Scottish Government Play Area Funding was allocated to the redevelopment of the park by ,embers of the Inverness, Central, Ness-side, Millburn, and Inverness West wards.

At the end of 2023, Inverness city committee members also agreed a £150,000 Inverness Common Good Funding application, which will contribute to the delivery of the park’s vision.

In February 2024, at a City of Inverness area committee meeting, members agreed to award a further £100,000 from the Community Regeneration Fund, which provides an additional amount to the park development costs.