£16m centre for health science takes shape

THE creation of a £15.7million centre of excellence for healthcare and education in Inverness is well underway with the first phase due to be completed by October of this year.

The project was visited recently by the board of HIE Inverness and East Highland local enterprise company. The entire venture is being funded by Highlands and Islands Enterprise together with a contribution from the European Regional Development Fund.  

The pioneering centre will focus on multi-disciplinary healthcare research and education as well as delivering a range of health services.

In a scheme devised to get best-value for all parties across the public and private sectors, a substantial part of the building will be devoted to high-tech business incubation, while a number of academic bodies, NHS Services and private companies will rent internal space.

The flagship building will also include the first major investment in public art in the city, featuring a unique internal 'street' and courtyard.

Sheena Devlin, business development manager for the centre said, "We are delighted with the progress Tullochs have made to date and look forward to the first tenants taking occupancy of Phase 1 in the autumn."