"Most important homes project in 20 years" is launched at Ness Side, Inverness

The groundbreaking ceremony at Tulloch Homes' upcoming development at Ness Side, adjoining the West Link Road, was described by Inverness Deputy Provost Bet McAllister as “the starting gun being fired for the most important housing development in our city boundaries for the next 20 years”.

The £90 million development of 757 homes - including 200 affordable units - on a 35 acre location was granted planning consent last year and the ceremony on Wednesday, June 12, marked the beginning of the milestone project.

The Deputy Provost told guests: "This is the largest new space for housing that Inverness has to offer and development will be rolled out over 15 years.

“In addition to the private residential element, Highland Council has a major shortfall in affordable housing and this will be the largest single contributor to meeting our target.”

Tulloch Homes chief executive George Fraser said: "We began been putting together the land package 30 years ago and it was first earmarked for housing at that time, Ness Side was included for housing in the council’s Inner Moray Firth Development Plan once the West Link crossing was opened.

“Over the past five years we have liaised closely with Highland Council planners on the council’s Masterplan for the area, and with the local authority’s Design Review Panel.

“It has been a real partnership of stakeholders to create much-needed new housing space for Inverness, including 200 affordable homes.

“This ambitious project represents our largest ever investment , creating and guaranteeing construction jobs, and sub-contractor employment, for up to 20 years, a significant contribution to the local economy.”

Mr Fraser revealed: "Starting work is thus a vital moment for us, and for the city. Bulldozers will be on site within days and the first Show Home will be built and opened by October.

“This initial phase will be of executive homes – but the rollout of Ness Side will feature a broad mix of homes from one bedroom apartments to five bedroom villas, meeting a range of demand and budgets for Inverness.”

Tulloch Homes, founded in Nairn 94 years ago, is the Highlands’ largest housebuilder and Mr Fraser indicated that Ness Side will significantly replenish the company’s land bank in the city to ensure it can meet local demand in the medium to longer term.

The development, with its proximity to the river, runs on an attractive location from the Holm Mills bridge to the Tesco roundabout at Dores Road. Research by Tulloch Homes indicates a ready market as each phase of Ness Side is rolled out.

To register interest in the first homes, see The Maples at Ness Side