Green light for Inverness innovation centre

A 2,500m² life sciences innovation centre, to be built as a joint project between Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) and the University of the Highlands and Islands, has been given the go-ahead.

Designed by multi-disciplinary design firm Austin-Smith:Lord, the centre will form part of a wider project with NHS Highland, which is developing an elective care facility on Inverness Campus. Together these are forecast to create around 190 jobs.

Ruaraidh MacNeil, HIE’s Director of Business Infrastructure, said: “This is a major development for Inverness and for the Highlands and Islands. The life sciences innovation centre will generate new commercial opportunities including new business start-ups, attracting new companies to the area, creating high value career opportunities.

“The nearby NHS Highland facility, meanwhile, will improve the health outcomes and patient experience across the Highlands and Islands. All of this will help attract and retain new talent for the region.”

Fiona Larg, Chief Operating Officer and Secretary at the University of the Highlands and Islands, said: “We are delighted that planning consent has been granted for this collaborative venture. The development will increase our research in fields such as medical nanotechnology and active health, and will help us to provide greater support to the region’s life sciences sector.”