Inverness College - New Campus Plans

New Campus Plans

Plans for a new campus have been in place for some time with a contest between redevelopment of the current Longman site and a relocating to a new development at Beechwood farm being considered. As of May 2010 it has been decided that the college will move to a new purpose built site at the Beechwood farm, co-locating with the Scottish Agricultural College, the Centre for Health Science phase 4 and a Training hotel operated by a partnership between the Calman Trust and Albyn Housing.

The planning application for phase 1 of the new academic campus was passed by The Highland Council in May 2010. The original outline planning application made by Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) for the entire landholding submitted early 2009 remains live and includes facilities for private sector R & D,inward investors, student accommodation, sports facilities, a community and cultural centre within landscaped parkland. This application forms a vision for the development over the next thirty years.

The 200-acre (0.81 km2) campus at Beechwood, just off the A9 south of Inverness, is considered to be one of the most important developments for the region over the next 20 years. The principal of UHI, James Fraser, said: “This is a flagship development which will provide Inverness with a university campus and vibrant student life. It will have a major impact on the city and on the Highlands and Islands. UHI is a partnership of colleges and research centres throughout the region, and the development of any one partner brings strength to the whole institution."

It is estimated that the new campus would contribute more than £50m to the economy of the Highlands because it could attract innovative commercial businesses interested in research and development, while increasing the number of students who study within the city by around 3,000.