Councillors have also noted the ongoing work to extend the use of Inverness Town House and agreed to commission a feasibility study into the future use of the Category A Listed property.

Leader of Inverness and Area, Councillor Ian Brown said: “I am delighted to see the buzz in the new Victorian Market food hall which is attracting a steady increase in customers all year round. Promotion of the Market is not only attracting visitors but also locals to this city centre location. I would like to commend the dedicated management for delivering a high quality and attractive destination for all to visit and enjoy a high-quality experience.”

All available 12 units in the Victorian Market food hall are now let to the following businesses providing a wide offering of food retail offerings to the public: Ollie Pops, Highland Hog Roast, Blazing Pizza, Moonshine, Salt N Fire, Chi Lik Wan, Good Girl Greengrocer, Sushi Inverness, Redshank Catering, The Mart, Bad Girl Bakery and Namaste Inbhir Nis.

Overall, the Market is attracting an increased trend in footfall which has seen a 7-day rolling average of visitors peak at over 6,000 in early April 2024.

Work continues to find solutions to providing an increase in electricity supply or alternative

energy source to 3 remaining units that could provide additional opportunities for food retail letting. Officers continue to talk to potential tenants with consideration given to their electric loading needs.

Also, in a report to City of Inverness Area Committee, Councillors were informed that work is underway to extend the use of Inverness Town House since it ceased operating as an administrative base for The Highland Council last year.

Office space to the rear of the building is currently being advertised for rent while current leases are in place with Police Scotland, HITRANS, Social Security Scotland and The Highland Council (Service Point).

A new website and branding for the Town House is being created to market this Inverness Common Good Fund-owned property as a general event space, for appropriate musical and other live performances and as a potential wedding venue.

Leader Brown added: “Councillors have agreed to instruct officers to prepare a feasibility study into the future use of the Inverness Town House and to engage contractors to delivery this study.

“I am looking forward to seeing updates on the progress of the study which will be provided to the Inverness Common Good Fund Sub-Committee with a proposed completion date by the end of 2024.”