Sports centre seen as inspirational

Highland Council’s leader believes the success of Team GB at the Rio Olympics should inspire plans to build a new regional sports hub in Inverness.

A business case for the local authority’s proposal has now been submitted to the council’s finance service.

Councillors agreed in March 2015 to progress the project, which could include a cycling velodrome, as well as modern facilities for indoor athletics, gymnastics, tennis and judo on land at Bught Park.

The development could also include a significant contribution by Sportscotland. Highland Council agreed funding in September last year of up to £150,000 to develop designs and costings.

The venue would also be capable of hosting major exhibitions, conferences and concerts with a capacity of around 3,000.

Council leader Margaret Davidson said: “We want to have excellent sports facilities that will be available for all of Highland’s young people to perform their best. Just look at the wonderful success of Team GB in the Rio Olympics. For our future generations to succeed they need the best possible facilities and opportunities. It would be an investment in our young people’s future and would also create jobs and stimulate inward investment with conferences and sports tourism.”

“It would be an investment in our young people’s future”

The business case will be considered as part of Highland Council’s capital programme review, which will go before councillors in October.

An earlier estimate put the cost at £23million. But a contract issued earlier this year suggested the scheme is expected to cost between £27.5million and £34.5million.