Inverness Resident Proposes Creative Hub to Revive Spectrum Centre

An innovative proposal aims to breathe new life into the Spectrum Centre in Inverness, transforming it into a creative hub designed to counter the city’s nightlife culture. Local resident Daniel Hall envisions a venue named The Creation Space, which would serve as an alcohol-free environment for art, music, and community activities. This initiative comes in response to the recent closure of the Farraline Park building, which Hall believes has contributed to a troubling decline in the area.

The 53-year-old, originally from Australia and an Inverness resident for over a decade, hopes to create a vibrant space that attracts a different demographic than the traditional bar scene. Hall emphasizes that this project could serve as a catalyst for revitalizing the city centre and reversing years of disinvestment. He stated, “Our goal isn’t just to reopen a building; it’s to reignite community life, create meaningful jobs, and help restore confidence in our city.”

Building a Vision for Community Engagement

Daniel Hall initiated this proposal following positive feedback on a social media post regarding the Spectrum Centre’s closure on September 6. His vision includes a late-night café that fosters creativity without the influence of alcohol. He perceives the closure of the Spectrum Centre as part of a broader narrative of decline in Inverness, compounded by infrastructural issues and the cancellation of community events.

“The infrastructure of Inverness is deteriorating faster than uranium-235,” Hall remarked, highlighting concerns over delayed projects like the A9 roadworks and the recent cancellation of the Red Hot Highland Fling Hogmanay event. He believes that The Creation Space could offer a necessary alternative in a city increasingly characterized by shuttered storefronts and declining foot traffic.

The Spectrum Centre once hosted a 156-seat theatre, a mirrored dance studio, and a coffee shop with facilities for children. Hall’s proposal seeks to reimagine this space as a hub for community creativity, offering art, music, writing sessions, and workshops. He argues that the venue could not only provide a safe gathering space but also generate paid roles such as café staff and event coordinators, particularly for individuals facing employment challenges.

Community Collaboration and Future Plans

Hall has established a group called The Creation Space, aiming to collaborate with local cafés and arts organizations. He envisions partnering with charities and mental health services to address food waste and promote sustainable livelihoods. “As local organizations lose their spaces, shops vanish, and families consider leaving, The Creation Space would offer a hopeful, practical alternative—a reason to stay, and a reason to believe,” he stated.

With skepticism about the likelihood of financial support from the Highland Council or the Scottish Government, Hall is calling on local residents to take the initiative. He plans to launch a crowdfunding campaign and organize a public event to gather support and transform his vision into a reality. An official announcement for the campaign is expected in the coming weeks, and Hall is encouraging volunteers, partners, and collaborators to get involved.

This initiative represents not just a response to the closure of the Spectrum Centre but a broader call to action for the community of Inverness. Hall encapsulates his vision with the belief that it is “time for the people of Inverness to take control of their city’s future.”