Plans for a major investment in Inverness High School will go on public display next month, including a new sports block, 3G pitch and dedicated teaching space for pupils with additional support needs.
Pupils, parents, staff and the wider community will be able to see the proposals at the school on Tuesday 6 October, with a second public event planned for Tuesday 17 November.
Both drop in sessions will run from 2pm until 7pm and will give people an opportunity to comment before a formal planning application is submitted.
The project forms part of Highland Council’s £2.1 billion Highland Investment Plan, a 20 year programme covering schools, roads and other infrastructure across the region.
At Inverness High School, the investment would deliver a new sports block containing a fitness suite and community room alongside a new 3G sports pitch.
A dedicated base for pupils with additional support needs would be created through refurbishment of space within the existing sports block.
Plans also include improvements to access around the school campus and upgraded outdoor social spaces for pupils.
Several parts of the existing school which are considered no longer fit for purpose would disappear altogether.
Current modular units, the games hall and a vacant wing dating from the 1970s are all earmarked for demolition.
The proposals have been developed with the listed building’s distinctive art deco heritage in mind, with the council saying the works have been planned to protect its character.
Ogilvie Construction has been identified as the preferred main contractor.
Councillor John Finlayson, Chair of Highland Council’s education committee, said:
“The Inverness High School Community PoD is a key Highland Investment Plan project, which will improve the learning environment for pupils, support health and wellbeing, and create opportunities for the wider community.
“It is great to reach this important milestone and I look forward to seeing work commence on site next year.”
The project is being developed as a Community Point of Delivery, part of a wider council approach intended to make new school facilities capable of accommodating education alongside community facilities, council services and partner organisations.
A stakeholder group will also be established involving local councillors, High Life Highland, community councils and representatives of parents, pupils and the school.
Inverness Central councillors Michael Cameron, Kate MacLean and Michael Gregson are encouraging people to attend the forthcoming sessions and provide their views before the plans enter the formal planning process.
If the project proceeds to the current timetable, work is expected to begin on site during 2027 with the transformation completed in 2030.
