Ark Estates has submitted a planning application for the construction of a new 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.