New A9 food and drink hub 'to create up to 100 jobs' at North Kessock, claims developer
A MULTI-million pound plan for a food and drink hub and superfast electric charging station next to the A9 at North Kessock could create up to 100 jobs, its developer claims.
West Coast Estates (WCE) has announced plans to build the hub next to the A9's northern carriageway on scrubland opposite Barclay Gardens. The site sits next to the roundabout motorists encounter when they turn off the A9 into North Kessock.
The £6 million project is also expected to include a convenience store and parking.
Describing the development as “a new place to shop, eat and recharge”, with "well known brands", WCE said its proposals would bring “significant” investment to the area.
The electric vehicle (EV) charging station would provide 16 high-speed charging points for up to 32 vehicles.
Iftikar Mian, director of WCE, said “Our vision is to bring state-of-the-art infrastructure and enhanced convenience to the Highlands, while supporting the local economy with the creation of more than 100 jobs.
“We are aiming to cater for residents living in the area and those travelling north and south.
“This will be a £6m development featuring well-known brands, providing a convenience store, food hub, and super-fast EV charging facility to support the move to more sustainable travel.”
The developer has launched a website – northkessockconsultation.co.uk –to give people the chance to view their proposals and comment on them. WCE would like comments by July 28.
A Facebook page, www.facebook.com/NorthKessockInverness, has also been launched.
Mr Mian added: “We value the input of the local community and look forward to working together to create a development that meets their needs and has a positive impact on the area.”
WCE said it was close to finalising an agreement with a “prominent” global EV charging brand for the North Kessock project.
The unnamed firm already runs a “vast network” of more than 8000 charging points throughout the UK, the property developer said.
Family-owned, the Aberdeen-based WCE was founded in 1991. Focused primarily on Scotland, its portfolio includes retail, residential and office properties.
The firm says the Highlands are a “key growth area” for it. WCE's retail projects in the area to date include Mains of Culduthel in Inverness and Braes of Conon in Dingwall.
Related: Multi-million pound bowling alley plan to create up to 60 jobs.
