Inverness city centre relocation plan

Issued by SDS

Skills Development Scotland move confirmed

Skills Development Scotland (SDS) is to create a new hub for its activities in Inverness and the surrounding area in former council premises in the city centre.

The organisation, as lead tenant, is working closely with the building's owners, Highland Council, on a refurbishment plan for 1-5 Church Street. Work is expected to be completed in a year.

Plans include a new public access centre as well as office accommodation for 25 SDS staff who are currently located at the Green House, in Beechwood Business Park.

SDS's Head of Regional Operations for the Highlands and Islands Anthony Standing said: "This relocation is a very good move for SDS as it allows us to bring our Inverness operation back into the city centre, giving easier access to those services for local people and also being a part of the very important drive to revitalise the city centre area."

He added: "Given its great location, I hope it won't be very long before our centre becomes a focal point for people in area and that we are just the start of the regeneration of the city centre, which is so important to everyone who lives and works here."

Leader of the City of Inverness Area, Councillor Ian Brown said: "I welcome this decision by Skills Development Scotland to lease 1-5 Church Street which shows great confidence in Inverness by a key government agency. Not only does this bring jobs and services to Inverness, but it also provides a healthy return on the major£1million investment by the Inverness Common Good Fund to the city to revitalise this city centre property."