Preparatory work has started on a new £1.9 million all weather sports pitch at Inverness Campus, marking a significant step towards delivering a long awaited sporting facility for the east of the city.
The new floodlit 3G football pitch will be built to FIFA Quality Pro standards, with construction due to begin later this year and completion anticipated in spring 2027.
Morrison Construction has begun preparing the site ahead of the main construction work, moving forward a project which has been a longstanding ambition of Highland Council.
The 100 metre by 60 metre pitch is intended to provide a year round venue for local football clubs, schools, community groups and the wider public.
It will also help address a shortage of quality sporting facilities on the east side of Inverness, where continued residential development has increased demand for community infrastructure.
Communities including Cradlehall, Westhill, Inshes, Inshes Wood, Culloden, Balloch, Smithton and Raigmore are expected to benefit from the new facility.
Its location at Inverness Campus could also create opportunities for links with courses and activities at the University of the Highlands and Islands.
Highland Council Economy and Infrastructure Committee Chair Councillor Ken Gowans said:
“I am delighted that Morrison Construction has started preparatory works that signal the beginning of delivery of this important community facility that will provide opportunities for education, training and wider community participation in sport.
“There is strong demand for quality sports facilities in the east of Inverness, and this development will provide an accessible, modern and high-quality venue that can be used throughout the year by local clubs, schools, community groups and the wider public.
“The location at Inverness Campus offers excellent connectivity and will serve established communities including Cradlehall, Westhill, Inshes, Inshes Wood, Culloden, Balloch and Smithton and Raigmore as well as having the potential to link with courses at UHI for example.
“The Council will look to see how the pitch can bring maximum benefit to the local community, amateur and professional teams, and I look forward to having further discussions with partners to ensure this facility realises its full potential.
“My thanks to everyone who has contributed to getting the project off the ground and look forward to seeing completion of this important project.”
The development is being funded by Highland Council, the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and developer contributions.
Inverness Caledonian Thistle has also welcomed progress on the project, with the club seeing the facility as an opportunity to increase participation in football across the city.
Director of Football Charlie Christie said:
“‘It’s great news that work will start on this brand-new, top-quality sports facility at Inverness Campus.
“As a vibrant and developing city Inverness needs new, state of the art sports pitches to allow the growth of sport in our area.
“We are really looking forward to seeing the completed facility and working with The Highland Council team to promote usage and further participation in football going forward.”
With machinery now on the ground and preparatory work under way, the long discussed pitch is finally beginning to move from plans on paper towards a sporting facility that communities across Inverness can actually use.
