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Inverness
Tuesday, January 14, 2025

Public Invited to Shape Future of Inverness Campus

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The second and final phase of the Inverness Campus development is taking shape, and the public is being encouraged to help steer its direction.

Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE), the organisation behind the ambitious project, has announced a public consultation programme to gather input on plans for completing the site.

Since construction began in 2013, Inverness Campus has transformed into a vibrant hub for innovation, collaboration, and education.

The site, spanning over 40 hectares, now features 47,000 square metres of floorspace, housing 14 commercial enterprises and key organisations such as UHI, SRUC, NHS Highland, and HIE itself.

Phase two aims to build on this success, with a focus on expanding facilities for life sciences industries and fostering partnerships between business, academia, and research.

HIE has enlisted strategic planners Turnberry to create an updated masterplan for the remaining undeveloped area, ensuring it aligns with the original vision for the campus.

Turnberry has submitted a Proposal of Application Notice to The Highland Council, paving the way for a full planning application in spring 2025.

Public consultation events will take place early next year, offering a chance for the community to view draft proposals and share their thoughts.

The first round of consultations will be held at An Lòchran on Inverness Campus on Friday 24 January (11:00–18:00) and Saturday 25 January (10:00–14:00).

A second set of events, providing updates on the plans, is scheduled for Thursday 21 February (11:00–18:00) and Friday 22 February (10:00–14:00) at the same location.

David Oxley, HIE’s director of strategic projects, emphasised the importance of community involvement in shaping the campus’s future.

“We need to ensure that the masterplan for phase two builds on the momentum created by phase one,” he said.

“Public and stakeholder input is vital to this process, and we look forward to welcoming people to the consultation events.

“Their feedback will play a crucial role in refining the proposals before we submit the planning application.”

The Inverness Campus, which opened in 2015, has gained a reputation as a world-class business and research location, attracting innovative projects and talented professionals.

By collaborating with Turnberry and seeking public input, HIE aims to complete the development in a way that supports the region’s economic growth and enhances its reputation as a centre for excellence.

The consultation process provides a unique opportunity for residents, businesses, and organisations to have their say on how this flagship project evolves.

For those unable to attend the events, information will also be available online, with options to submit feedback through digital channels.

Inverness Campus represents a bold vision for the future of the Highlands, and phase two offers the chance to create a lasting legacy that benefits generations to come.

Make your voice heard and help shape the next chapter of this transformative development.

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