370 jobs on horizon after centre gets approval

Ambitious plans by Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) to expand a multi-million pound Centre for Health Sciences due to be completed this autumn, received a further boost this week when a second and third phase were granted detailed planning permission.

It signals the green light for an expanded project - HIE's biggest ever investment in Inverness - which will ultimately create 370 new jobs in the area. The second phase will start later this year which will provide an 18-strong NHS dental practice, research laboratory facilities and office space for public and private agencies. A third phase will now go ahead in 2008 which will incorporate a flagship Diabetes Institute on the site. It will bring the total cost of the centre to £23m including £2.7m from the European Regional Development Fund.

Stuart Black, chief executive of HIE Inverness and East Highland said: "Demand for spaces within phases I and II has exceeded expectation and should both be fully subscribed on completion. This is bringing quality jobs and unique expertise into the Highland area. It's a model for what can be achieved by public agencies working together and with the private sector for mutual benefit"

A 327-space car park and an access road from the city's Old Perth Road was also given the committee's unanimous approval. The original plan for access would have utilised Lifescan's entrance at Sir Walter Scott Drive and cut across community parkland at Raigmore housing estate by creating a new road. As well as being costly (around £165k) this road would have cut right through amenity land and have required several mature trees to be felled.

At the time of the outline planning consent Raigmore Community Council made several representations to HIE and Highland Council asking that a different route be found so that their green space could be preserved. Consequently HIE pursued and this week won approval for an alternative route by way of Old Perth Road.

Stuart Black said: "We recognised why Raigmore residents wanted us to look at other access options. We were happy to work with Highland Council to find another solution. The money we have saved from making a new road will go towards improving this existing one so, all round, it’s an excellent result."

The first phase of the Centre for Health Sciences will provide education facilities for the University of Stirling, the NHS and UHI Millennium Institute.

Artist Jacquie Donachie has been commissioned to produce artwork for the interior of the new building which, through the nature of its purpose, will host large numbers of visiting public as well as members of the business, academic and scientific community.