Bridge approved for Inverness college campus scheme

Councillors today approved plans for a pedestrian and cycle bridge linking the planned Inverness College campus and UHI development at Beechwood with the city centre.

This is the final planning decision for the phase one infrastructure works which can now start on site.

The bridge across the A9 will link the campus with the Raigmore Estate, giving easy access on foot and bike to the city centre.

Ruaraidh MacNeil, Highlands and Islands Enterprise campus project director said: “For HIE, connecting Inverness Campus to the wider city is very important to the success of the project.

"We have worked closely with the Raigmore community in developing the design of the bridge, which will give residents easy access to the full range of Inverness Campus services, which will include landscaped parkland, sports and community facilities as well of course as educational facilities.

HIE is investing £25 million in developing phase one, which will bring together a number of partners including Inverness College UHI, the Centre for Health Science, the Calman Trust, Albyn Housing Society and the Scottish Agricultural College.

It will bring a wealth of benefits to the Highlands and Islands, attracting businesses and investment, providing further and higher educational opportunities and creating jobs for young people and acting as a magnet for talent.

HIE’s construction partner Morgan Sindall is expected to start work immediately on the site and will be in touch with the community soon about plans for construction and employment opportunities.

It is estimated Inverness Campus could attract investment of over £100 million, generating £38 million for the Highlands and Islands economy.