Public invited to events about plan for Academy Street

The Highland Council will run a series of drop-in sessions next week to share the design for the regeneration of Academy Street in Inverness.

The purpose of these information sessions is to share more detail about the latest design. Subject to a positive response, it is intended to undertake a formal consultation later this year.

The Highland Council has secured funding for the design of Academy Street through ‘Places for Everyone’ - a scheme funded by the Scottish Government through Transport Scotland and administered by Sustrans. The aim is to make Academy Street a more attractive and healthier place for people walking, wheeling and cycling and this will be a significant milestone in the regeneration of Inverness city centre.

The design proposes significantly widened footpaths for walking and wheeling, improved pedestrian crossing facilities, and a range of opportunities for enhancing the public realm with street furniture and trees. This expands on the previous designs with a detailed traffic management system that aims to reduce traffic volumes on Academy Street, whilst maintaining essential business access. This will be achieved by introducing sections of bus lane on Academy Street between the junctions of Union Street and Queensgate which, combined with the rest of the scheme, will result in slower traffic speeds and reduced traffic volumes that make the carriageway safe for cycling.

Speaking about the events, Inverness City Leader, Councillor Ian Brown said: “I really would encourage everybody to either take the time to come to the events which are running over three days next week or to view the design for Academy Street online.

“The vision for Academy Street respects the needs of everybody using it, from businesses to local residents to tourists visiting the city. The changes to Academy

Street will improve the overall experience of the street for everyone and transform this important place in the core of the city centre to become more welcoming, attractive and healthier.”

Chair of the Council’s Economy and Infrastructure Committee, Councillor Ken Gowans added: “I very much value engagement and this is a great chance to get involved so I encourage participation from every section of the public and local business community.”

Designs will be on display for three days at the Spectrum Centre, 1B Margaret Street, Inverness from 14 March to 16 March.

The public is welcome to attend at the following times:

Tuesday 14 March 1pm to 4pm; Wednesday 15 March 1pm to 7pm; and Thursday 16 March 1pm to 7pm.

Representatives from The Highland Council will be present to answer any questions and detailed designs and visualisations for Academy Street will be displayed.

For those unable to attend the information events, the latest design and visualisations for Academy Street can be viewed at: https://academystreetproposals.commonplace.is/