Review of council offices in Fort William

The regeneration of the former Fort William Secondary School site on Achintore Road is the preferred option for The Highland Council’s new office headquarters in the town. The Council has been reviewing its office needs in Fort William and the Secondary School site provides the opportunity to relocate its main administrative offices, Service Point and Registration Offices in one central location.

The Secondary School site is owned by the Council and is a listed building.  It has lain empty for some time.

It would replace offices currently occupied by the Council, including at Lochaber House, Fulton House and Tweeddale, all in Fort William. 

A report setting out the recommendation will be considered by Members of the Council’s Finance Housing and Resources Committee on Wednesday (27 November).  It will seek the go ahead to progress detailed plans for the move, which is estimated to achieve year-on-year revenue savings of around £100,000.

A target of completing the project by 2016 has been set.

The Fort William office review is one of a number currently under way as the Council strives to maximise its assets and deliver services in a more efficient and effective way.

New offices have been opened at Drummuie, Golspie for east Sutherland staff while a, £8 million  new office at Market Place,  Wick is being currently under construction.  

The Council is also currently reviewing its office needs in Dingwall and Inverness and has plans to refurbish the Courthouse at Kingussie as a new Council base in the area.