Highland Council invites public to events about plans for Academy Street in Inverness
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Highland Council will run a series of drop-in sessions next week to share the design for the regeneration of Academy Street in Inverness.
The local authority says the purpose of the information sessions is to share more detail about the latest design.
If this gets a positive response, it is intended to undertake a formal consultation later this year.
Highland Council has secured funding for the design of Academy Street through the Places for Everyone scheme funded by the Scottish Government through Transport Scotland and administered by Sustrans.
The aim is to make Academy Street a more attractive and healthier place for people walking, wheeling and cycling though proposals so far have generated a negative response from many city centre businesses.
Inverness Courier columnist Colin Campbell also shared his views of the scheme earlier this week.
On the other side of the debate Inverness West Green councillor Ryan MacKintosh was also quick to respond to the council's announcement today.
“I’m disappointed that the Academy Street proposals have been watered down for a less bold and ambitious vision than the one voted for by members of the city of Inverness committee back in November," he said.
"The misinformation around the original proposal beggars belief. Reducing traffic flows enhances accessibility for the vulnerable, increases footfall from locals and tourists alike and places an emphasis on the prioritisation of active travel."
However he added: "The new proposals allow vehicles access to the main areas that Inverness BID have highlighted. The modelling shows that the new proposals still reduce the amount of traffic driving through the centre by three quarters. It is a compromise but overall I believe it’s a step in the right direction and the Greens will be supporting the scheme”.
The design proposes significantly widened footpaths for walking and wheeling, improved pedestrian crossing facilities, and a range of opportunities for enhancing the public realm with street furniture and trees.
The council says it expands on previous designs, with a detailed traffic management system that aims to reduce traffic volumes on Academy Street whilst maintaining essential business access.
Sections of bus lane on Academy Street will be introduced between the junctions of Union Street and Queensgate which it says, combined with the rest of the scheme, will result in slower traffic speeds and reduced traffic volumes.
Inverness city leader, Councillor Ian Brown, said: “I really would encourage everybody to either take the time to come to the events which are running over three days next week or to view the design for Academy Street online.
“The vision for Academy Street respects the needs of everybody using it, from businesses to local residents to tourists visiting the city. The changes to Academy Street will improve the overall experience of the street for everyone and transform this important place in the core of the city centre to become more welcoming, attractive and healthier.”
Chairman of the council’s economy and infrastructure committee Cllr Ken Gowans said: “I very much value engagement and this is a great chance to get involved, so I encourage participation from every section of the public and local business community.”
Designs will be on display for three days at the Spectrum Centre, Margaret Street, Inverness from March 14-16.
The public is welcome to attend on Tuesday from 1-4pm; and Wednesday and Thursday from 1-7pm both days while businesses can view the designs from 9am-12pm for businesses from Tuesday to Thursday.
Representatives from Highland Council will be present to answer any questions and detailed designs and visualisations for Academy Street will be displayed.
For those unable to attend the information events, the latest design and visualisations for Academy Street can be viewed here
