THE Highland Council is to continue a consultation into a proposed new design for Academy Street in Inverness.
The new design, known as option B, would see footpaths widened; pedestrian crossing facilities increased along the length of the street; motorised vehicle access restricted to deliveries, public transport, and blue badge holders; and enhanced restrictions on surrounding residential areas.
Councillor Ian Brown, leader of the Highland Council’s city of Inverness area committee, said, “The city of Inverness area committee has agreed that council officers can continue public consultation on the preferred development option B including the detail of any required traffic orders. The proposals aim to ensure the best opportunity for Highland Council to attract external construction funding and promote an ambitious vision for the city centre.”
Option B would see the redesign of Academy Street in favour of walking, wheeling and cycling with £800,000 Scottish Government’s places for everyone programme funding which has been secured by the Highland Council.
Councillor Brown added, “A redesigned Academy Street will support positive behavioural change towards more sustainable travel and therefore make a positive contribution to reducing Highland’s carbon footprint and support the council’s response to the climate and ecological emergency.”
Officers will now progress with an application to Scottish Government to take forward technical design and construction – subject to stakeholder engagement, statutory consultation and Traffic Regulation Order processes. The council added it will continue to liaise with businesses and other users of the city centre to ensure that the technical design and construction proceeds on a fully informed basis.
