<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/commonplace-digital-limited/image/upload/v1689856211/projects/academystreetproposals/60eb36c1-3cd6-4a87-9141-048393960465.jpg" /> Following the full meeting of The Highland Council yesterday (Thursday 14 September 2023) when a Notice of Amendment for the proposed design of Academy Street was discussed, the Council has decided to proceed. The decision means that project officers from The Highland Council will now finalise the proposed design, making any necessary minor amendments as required, and consulting on a Traffic Regulation Order, which will be subject to statutory consultation. The Council will also continue to discuss the project with stakeholders and prepare appropriate equalities and economic impact assessments. The approved design for Academy Street will see footpaths widened to the maximum possible, allowing for the introduction of trees and planting, bicycle parking, benches, and café furniture. Pedestrian crossing facilities will be increased along the length of the street. The use of bus lanes will reduce throughflow traffic and achieve reduced traffic volumes allowing for safe on carriageway cycling. The scheme will maintain private vehicle access to businesses. Comprehensive re-signage of alternative traffic routes and available parking opportunities to access the city centre will also be introduced. The Academy Street project is funded by Transport Scotland’s Places for Everyone fund.

Highland Council confirms City Committee decision for Academy Street

<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/commonplace-digital-limited/image/upload/v1689855888/projects/academystreetproposals/b42ea493-9349-4860-8307-cab43a66aa9f.jpg" /> On Monday 28th August 2023, members of The Highland Council’s City of Inverness Area Committee agreed to ‘Making Academy Street a Place for Everyone’. The decision means that project officers from The Highland Council will now finalise the proposed design, making any necessary minor amendments as required, and move forward with a Traffic Regulation Order, which will be subject to statutory consultation. The Council will also continue to discuss the project with stakeholders and prepare appropriate equalities and economic impact assessments as requested by businesses during the engagement process on this design. Speaking about the decision, Leader of Inverness and Area, Cllr Ian Brown said: “I welcome today’s decision which follows months of debate and discussions with all relevant stakeholders, especially businesses, who were understandably concerned about any potential negative impact to them. “I do believe that the proposed design strikes a careful balance based on all the opinions that have been expressed and that it will deliver sustainable transport, city centre regeneration, and will support the city centre economy. It will significantly improve opportunities for walking, wheeling and on-carriageway cycling, whilst ensuring that businesses can continue to operate as they do presently. An economic impact assessment will now be undertaken as the project progresses, building on the work developed to date.” Depute Leader of Inverness and Area, Cllr Chris Ballance said: “Everyone agrees Academy Street needs revitalising. Plans have been considered, discussed and consulted on for years, and it’s time to act. This will turn Academy Street from a road to drive through into a place to go to. I’m delighted there has been so much support for the project from the public. We can now move forward to reinvigorate Inverness’ centre by making it a place for people.” The approved design for Academy Street will see footpaths widened to the maximum possible; pedestrian crossing facilities increased along the length of street; and motorised vehicle access restricted to deliveries, public transport and blue-badge holders to minimise the through traffic allowed to pass through the city centre. Comprehensive re-signage of alternative traffic routes and available parking opportunities to access the city centre will be introduced as will enhanced restrictions on surrounding residential areas whilst encouraging motorists to make better route choices on arterial and circulatory routes.

Councillors agree to ‘Making Academy Street a Place for Everyone’

<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/commonplace-digital-limited/image/upload/v1689855888/projects/academystreetproposals/b42ea493-9349-4860-8307-cab43a66aa9f.jpg" /> This morning, The Highland Council hosted a meeting at Inverness Town House to present further information on the proposed design for Academy Street. Chaired by City Leader Councillor Ian Brown, stakeholders representing various groups in Inverness including businesses, tourism, transport, emergency services, active travel and protected characteristics groups were given further detail on the proposed design for Academy Street which could be submitted to Sustrans for funding from the Scottish Government’s Places for Everyone programme later this year. Attendees were shown detailed designs of the proposal as well as a film which explained how this project is the latest initiative designed to regenerate and reinvigorate Inverness city centre and increase its appeal for residents, visitors and businesses and make Inverness a prime destination. <iframe src=https://www.youtube.com/embed/Ad459X7qwTE></iframe> Other projects, some completed such as the West Link and swing bridge, Hydro Ness and the Victorian Market, as well as projects underway including Inverness Castle, and projects due to start as part of the Inverness Zero Carbon Cultural Regeneration programme (Bught Park, Northern Meeting Park and Inverness Castle Energy Centre) also formed part of the presentation around the vision for the future of the city. Key features of the proposed design for Academy Street include: <li>Widening of pavements to make it more attractive for pedestrians as well as hospitality businesses who will be supported to explore options for pavement seating for customers.</li><li>Introduction of a bus lane which will also be used by taxis, emergency services and cyclists.</li><li>A reduction in private vehicles to less than 2,000 a day achieved by changing how private vehicles enter and exit Academy Street:</li> <li>Cars coming from Millburn Road will turn left into Union Street and emerge from Queensgate. There will be no left turn for cars exiting Queensgate, instead vehicles will turn right or continue along Strothers Lane.</li><li>Vehicles approaching Academy Street from Chapel Street will turn left at Strothers Lane.</li><li>Drivers coming into the city via Chapel Street and Church Street will not be able to access Queensgate but will instead turn left onto Post Office Avenue and then left onto Academy Street.</li> <li>No change to the quantity of parking, disabled parking, loading bays and taxi ranks.</li><li>Introduction of trees and planting. </li> <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/commonplace-digital-limited/image/upload/v1689856035/projects/academystreetproposals/4ee89b0f-9445-40e6-92e5-5d641d38a77f.jpg" /> <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/commonplace-digital-limited/image/upload/v1689856181/projects/academystreetproposals/5f9d85d5-d387-4fe1-b8b7-dc5f468fc7e0.jpg" /> <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/commonplace-digital-limited/image/upload/v1689856211/projects/academystreetproposals/60eb36c1-3cd6-4a87-9141-048393960465.jpg" /> “I am grateful to everybody who attended and took the time to come and find out more and I hope that it provided clarity and, in some cases, allayed concerns regarding the proposal. We want to make Academy Street a place for everyone. As the gateway to the Highland capital, Academy Street plays a significant role in welcoming visitors from near and far and we are confident that the proposed design will enhance the city centre and make Inverness a prime destination.” The event also included a reference to the ‘Inverness Strategy’ and The Highland Council plans to host a public exhibition later this year which will showcase recent and forthcoming development and investment across Inverness as part of the Inverness Strategy. Malcolm Macleod, Depute Chief Executive and Executive Chief Officer for Infrastructure and Environment and The Highland Council, explained: “Since 2018, over £165 million has been invested in Inverness from both the public and private sector to improve the city for everyone as a hub for the Highlands and Islands. Key projects include the completion of the West Link and new swing bridge as well as the refurbished Victorian Market. Today we started to talk about the ‘Inverness Strategy’ which is all about celebrating what is being delivered by businesses, communities and the public sector across the city. “The proposal for Academy Street is a key project in the Inverness Strategy and is aligned to our desired outcomes of the draft Inverness City Centre Masterplan, namely that Inverness will be a prime destination; a living city; a green and healthy city; a zero-carbon city; an accessible and connected city; and a digital city.” The draft Inverness City Centre Masterplan sits alongside the Local Development Plan and will be subject to consultation. The Highland Council is encouraging people to submit feedback on the proposed design for Academy Street either on this website or by sending an email to <a href="http://activetravel@highland.gov.uk.">activetravel@highland.gov.uk.</a> All feedback submitted about the proposed design for Academy Street will be considered by the City of Inverness Area Committee when it meets on 28th August and a decision will be taken on whether or not to proceed the proposal and apply to Sustrans for funding from the Scottish Government’s Places for Everyone programme later this year.

The Highland Council hosts event on the proposed design for Academy Street

Learn more about the project, view the design, and add your comments to help make Academy Street a safer and more pleasant place for walking, cycling and shopping.