One City, One Vision: Highland welcome at the city’s heart together with a radical ‘family friendly first’ plan as part of Inverness 2035 blueprint
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First impressions are important and the Inverness 2035 vision begins with a “statement of intent” to make the city welcoming to all through seamless transport links and beautiful clean streets and the “warmth of a Highland welcome”.
Crucial to the Welcoming City element of the proposal is the ability for passengers to buy a single pass for all forms of transportation all the way to their destination.
Inverness 2035 states: “Whether visitors arrive by bus, train, car, or flight, their first impression of Inverness will be consistently that of a welcoming city.
“When they leave, they will do so, with a warm recollection of the Highland welcome they enjoyed throughout their visit.”
Currently one of the big complaints is the lack of a tie-in between buses and trains though improvement is expected in one area when the new Inverness Airport rail link opens next year, the strategy proposes going further.
“When people arrive, they will have access to rail links, eco bikes, electric buses, and self-drive rentals – getting to Inverness City from the airport will be quick, clean and connected.
“Visitors will be able to avoid the elements by accessing city transport links all under one roof. Public transport will be modern, proudly eco, well maintained and clean. Timetables and tickets will be fully accessible online and via apps.
“All transport links will be fully integrated with the ability to buy a single pass to that final destination.
“People arriving by bus will disembark in an attractive sheltered bus station that will be well maintained and sympathetically designed to suit its surroundings.
“Visitors will experience an effortless transition to their destination accommodation, having already accessed the urban trail on their app and aided by the helpful staff and locals they encounter as they move throughout the city.”
However, just getting people to the city, from near or far, is not the only aim set out in Inverness 2035 – the plan envisions a city that is worth spending time in and can be appreciated for its own sake.
That means making the city centre much more attractive than it already is and in what is one of the big asks, it will deprioritise vehicle travel in favour of pedestrians and cyclists.
“Inverness won't just be a city for visitors – it will be a place to enjoy for those who live here.”
It states: “The city centre will be attractive, accessible for all and most importantly family-friendly with a focus on creating a place and atmosphere that has a positive and enriching effect on wellbeing.
“Gone will be a city centre prioritised for cars and buses – instead, priority will be given to pedestrians and cyclists. Streetscapes will be designed for active travel, supported by park and ride zones on the city's outskirts. Street furniture will be minimal, and where it can be found, it will be sympathetically designed to ensure disabled people are not hindered by it.
“Our streets will be bustling with families enjoying the 'what's on' features of the day or finding their way along the digital urban trails, supported by our gigabit Wi-Fi infrastructure throughout the city.
“Independent businesses and retailers will be supported by independent retailer enterprise zones. Our high street will be a blend of retail, office, housing and hospitality.”
Echoing the aims of the Scottish Government and also Highland Council, Inverness 2035 aims to make the city “the best city to grow up in”.
It wants to back up that claim by being an accredited UNICEF Child-Friendly City and local political commitment to creating nurturing social and school environments so that no child is left behind.
That means a radical plan to tailor the city’s infrastructure to “create family friendly active travel routes, parks and outdoor public spaces for activities.
“Inverness will be a growing city where green space is prioritised in every planning development.
“The city will be awash with colour because of a citywide partnership between local schools and council services. Whether it is joint streetscape projects or expressive art adorning walls along the river, when people visit Inverness, they will feel the city’s children at its heart.
“Thanks to the pedestrianisation of Inverness city centre, families will enjoy spending time in the centre and the local economy benefits significantly from their presence. Making the city centre accessible to all will increase footfall for shops.
“Public areas – once considered unattractive – will be reimagined to make them family-friendly routes or parks.
“These public areas won't be only places to take children, they facilitate much needed social interaction between different generations – purposefully engage with a wide variety of partners to create events that bring together the youngest and oldest residents and visitors.
“A long-standing commitment to new housing – both affordable and social rent – will ensure every family has a safe home to live in. The most vulnerable in our society will feel part of a community and be supported.
“Care in the community extends beyond public services, and community groups will be leading the efforts in their local area. Schools will be modern, inclusive campuses that reflect our ongoing commitment to nurturing the city's children. Active travel routes and integrated transport links will ensure travelling to and from school is safe and enjoyable.
“Often described as the Safe City, Inverness continues to have the lowest crime rate of any city in Scotland.”
• To read the full report visit here.
