Location

Inverness is the administrative, educational, business and commercial centre of the Highlands. Between 1991 and 2011 the population of Inverness grew by almost 18% to over 79,000. Significant improvements to transport infrastructure is ongoing which will deliver further growth potential.

The site occupies a prominent position within the Longman Core area, an important gateway to Inverness City Centre. Neighbouring occupiers include B&Q, Halfords, Wickes,

Dreams, Cotswold Outdoor, Tiso, Longman House offices and numerous car dealerships including Arnold Clark, Mini, Mercedes, BMW. The site sits alongside the recently completed £24 million Justice Centre.

Property

The site which is broadly rectangular extends to 1.83 Hectares (4.52 Acres) and benefits from extensive road frontage to both Longman Road and Harbour Road. The former Inverness College campus buildings have all been demolished. The corner two storey building and carpark occupied by Inverness Golf Centre, fronting the roundabout connecting Longman Road and Harbour Road, is not included within the sale subjects. This property has access rights over the site which is for sale.

Vodafone occupies the building shown on the aerial photograph. This houses telecoms equipment and a substation. Vodafone has a lease for 25 years due to expire 31st November 2022. Vodafone and SSE have access rights through the site for the benefit of the telecoms apparatus and sub-station. Full details of the Vodafone lease and SSE substation will be provided to parties who register interest.

Planning

Highland Council planning guidance supports a variety of uses for the site including office, leisure, service or retail within a mixed use development. These uses are identified within the Highland-Wide Local Development Plan (April 2012). Inverness City Centre Development Brief (February 2018) sets out site specific development guidelines for the site. The Inner Moray Firth LDP was adopted in 2015 and identifies the site (IN4) as a mixed use development opportunity. The Inner Moray Firth LDP is under review, and is currently at the Main Issues report stage. Given the support within the three documents noted, it is reasonable to expect the continued promotion of a mixed use site will be in line with the emerging Main Issues Report for the New Inner Moray Firth LDP.

In consultation with Highland Council a Planning and Design Guidance Document has been produced for the site. This sets out in more detail the development opportunity, relevant planning policy, with guidance on development density, massing, access and parking provisions. A copy of the Design Guidance Document can be provided on request.

Prospective purchasers should make their own enquiries to Highland Council as to the suitability of their proposed development in the context to planning policy.

Access and Transport Links