Ark Estates is awaiting the decision on a planning application that will see the property developer build a modern gym and café development on a vacant plot at 27 Longman Drive, Inverness
Located between Ark Estate’s Scania-occupied site and the vacant New Century House next to the Kessock Bridge, the energy-efficient Trail Architects-designed building - which will utilise reclaimed materials and solar power technology - will comprise 500sqm of state of the art gym and leisure space and an 87sqm dining or café area.
Built to address the lack of fitness and dining options in the locality, the café will boast an outdoor seating area with views to the Beauty Firth. The site, which is adjacent to the National Cycle Network and North Sea Cycle Route, will benefit from ample bicycle parking as well as space for 33 cars, four large vehicles and a number of motorcycles.
Speaking about what is set to be an attractive commercial opportunity for prospective tenants, Ark Estates managing director, Willie Gray, said: “We look forward to gaining consent and delivering this exciting leisure development as a great addition to existing businesses of a similar nature in Longman.
“A gym like this can play its part in improving the health and wellbeing of people working in the vicinity, providing a meeting point for the local business community.”
Planning officials at The Highland Council have set a determination date of November 23, 2021 for the application.
Editor’s notes:
Established in 2003, ARK Estates is a property investment and development company which leases property from its own diverse portfolio which includes retail, commercial, industrial and residential premises in a variety of locations in Scotland.
ARK Estates offers a full development service to clients. They have provided strategic advice and property consultancy services to housing, public sector and corporate clients as well as individuals.
ARK Estates can help clients identify appropriate and realistic development or regeneration opportunities and can offer a ‘turn-key’ service to turn a client’s vision into reality. ARK Estates can provide assistance from strategy, through the initial appraisals, valuations and planning negotiations through to development management onsite.
William Gray, Managing Director of ARK Estates Scotland, has been involved in property management and services for more than thirty years and the company has enjoyed significant growth as it has taken advantage of market niches, local knowledge and national contacts.
Clients include both national and local businesses looking for solutions to accommodation problems as well as individuals looking for investment opportunities. ARK Estates has also worked with joint venture partners to develop a site or business opportunity. The coordination of government agencies and business is a big part of ARK Estate’s business, working with a variety of local and national professional companies.