The Press and Journal (Inverness, Highlands, and Islands)
Work on pitch will kick off after 15-year hold-up
Construction can finally begin on a “badly-needed” allweather sports pitch on the east side of Inverness.
The new pitch will be built at Inverness Campus.
Facilities have been part of the plan for the campus since it was first suggested more than 15 years ago.
Work can begin after planning permission was approved by Highland Council planners.
The site is currently unused and sits close to the Scottish Vet Referrals building.
Sports Labs has been hired by Highland Council to put together the plans.
According to the planning documents, a new car park, floodlights and fencing will also be built for the 3G pitch.
Sports Labs said: “Highland Council and
High Life Highland are looking to increase their sport provision.
“The development will see a new full-size 3G pitch, which will be of great benefit to the community.”
The pitch will be lined with markings for rugby, full size and short-sided football.
The location of new changing rooms has also been earmarked. But
these will not built without further funding at a later date.
UHI Inverness announced in 2021 that it had been awarded £300,000 towards the project by Sportscotland.
Other funding for the pitch has been secured from UHI Inverness’s Foundation, Highland Council developer contribution funding and
the Town Centre Regeneration Fund.
Inverness Campus has been developed over the last 15 years by Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE).
Ruaraidh MacNeil, HIE’s director of business infrastructure, said: “Sports development has been part of the Inverness Campus vision since the start.
“This is an important milestone and great news for all at Inverness Campus. Those who work here, our visitors and students.”
Inverness South councillor Ken Gowans said he was delighted to see the project moving forward.
He added that he hopes more sport developments will follow in the east of Inverness.
“We know that these kind of sports facilities are badly needed on this side of town,” he said.
“I expect it will be widely used. This will go some of the way to address the lack of facilities.
“It’s a very welcome addition. But we still have an aspiration for an Inverness East sports facility.
“Something that’s not just for local communities. But one that’s important in a regional context too.”