Councillors approve vision for Inverness
Inverness Councillors have welcomed a strategy for Inverness which showcases an ambitious vision that aims to transform the city’s future.
At Highland Council’s City of Inverness Area Committee today (18 November) councillors approved the Draft Inverness City Centre Management Plan for public consultation.
A vast range of investment in either under construction, committed or in the pipeline across the city, meeting needs for community, business and the environment.
Provost of Inverness and Area Cllr Helen Carmichael said: “I would like to thank the many Council Officers, Members on the City Area Recovery Group, and consultants, and partner organisations who have all worked incredibly hard to realise this strategy vision for Inverness that is before us today. It highlights an ambitious future for Inverness on a national scale that will not only benefit the city of Inverness but will also benefit the rest of the Highlands through its delivery.”
Current investment activity: Former Arnott’s Building, Union Street
Highland Council Leader Cllr Margaret Davidson added: “It is extremely fitting that we commend and approve this vision for Inverness city centre just days after the close of COP26. The plan will be a major driver in Highland Council’s transition towards becoming a zero-carbon region supporting a green and circular economy.”
Chair of Highland Council’s Economy and Infrastructure Committee, Cllr Trish Robertson said: “This ambitious vision for Inverness will enable a ‘shovel-ready’ sustainable coordinated partnership approach should further investment opportunities arise in future. I commend the strategy and look forward to the further consultation outcomes with key stakeholders across the city and region.”
National Treatment Centre, Inverness Campus
Chair of the Inverness Recovery Group and Depute Provost and Leader of Inverness and Area Cllr Carolyn Caddick added: "This is a fantastic vision for Inverness, we should be inspired with all the works that have been achieved so far and all that are yet to come in the future. It has also given us an opportunity to reflect on the work that the City Area Recovery Group has been doing, to address the impacts of the pandemic some of which supports the strategic plans."
River Ness Hydro Scheme
Mike Smith Manager of Inverness BID said: “We welcome the commitment that there will be the opportunity for all stakeholders including the city centre businesses to input to the draft Inverness Vision.”
River Ness Hydro scheme
Members agreed that consultation on the draft plan and its associated workstreams will be undertaken through a partnership approach and that a range of partners and organisations are engaged during the consultation including businesses and business groups and the Community Planning Partnership and Board.
Members noted the development of an integrated engagement plan in collaboration with Inverness Chamber of Commerce and Inverness Business Improvement District.
The report and strategy can be viewed at this link (download).
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