Plans for Inverness centre hope to open up the Highland Capital for all

Highland Council's hosted a meeting at Inverness Town House to present further information on the proposed design for Academy Street.

Chaired by City Leader Councillor Ian Brown, stakeholders represented included businesses, tourism, transport, emergency services, and active travel.

An application for Sustrans funding from the Scottish Government’s Places for Everyone programme could be delivered later this year.

Key features of the proposed design for Academy Street include:

• The widening of pavements to make it more attractive for pedestrians - also the potential for hospitality businesses to provide pavement seating for customers.

• The introduction of a bus lane which will also be used by taxis, emergency services and cyclists.

• A reduction in private vehicles to less than 2,000 a day achieved by changing how private vehicles enter and exit Academy Street.

• No change to the quantity of parking, disabled parking, loading bays and taxi ranks.

• The introduction of trees and planting.

Speaking about the event, Cllr Brown said: “I am grateful to everybody who attended and took the time to come and find out more and I hope that it provided clarity and, in some cases, allayed concerns regarding the proposal.

"We want to make Academy Street a place for everyone and as the gateway to the Highland capital, Academy Street plays a significant role in welcoming visitors"

Malcolm Macleod, Depute Chief Executive and Executive Chief Officer for Infrastructure and Environment explained: “Since 2018, over £165 million has been invested in Inverness from both the public and private sector to improve the city for everyone as a hub for the Highlands and Islands.

"Key projects include the completion of the West Link and new swing bridge as well as the refurbished Victorian Market. Today we started to talk about the ‘Inverness Strategy’ which is all about celebrating what is being delivered by businesses, communities and the public sector across the city.

“The proposal for Academy Street is a key project in the Inverness Strategy and is aligned to our desired outcomes of the draft Inverness City Centre Masterplan, namely that Inverness will be a prime destination; a living city; a green and healthy city; a zero-carbon city; an accessible and connected city; and a digital city.”

Highland Council is encouraging people to submit feedback either on Commonplace or by sending an email to activetravel@highland.gov.uk with all feedback considered when the City Committee meets on Ausgust 28th.

A video on the vision for Academy Street is here

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