MORRISON Construction has commenced preparatory groundwork on the creation of a new community all-weather sports pitch in Inverness.
The Highland Council said it has had a ‘long-held ambition’ to provide an all-weather sports pitch at the Inverness Campus in the east of the city.
Construction work is expected to commence later this year, with it scheduled for completion in spring 2027. The facility will feature a 100m x 60m flood-lit all-weather 3G football pitch designed to FIFA quality Pro standards.
The £1.9 million project – which is being funded by The Highland Council, the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, and developer contributions – will help address a shortage of sporting facilities in the east of the city and support increased participation in sport and physical activity, the local authority said.
Chair of the Highland Council’s economy and infrastructure committee, councillor Ken Gowans, said, “I am delighted that Morrison Construction has started preparatory works that signal the beginning of delivery of this important community facility that will provide opportunities for education, training and wider community participation in sport.
“There is strong demand for quality sports facilities in the east of Inverness, and this development will provide an accessible, modern and high-quality venue that can be used throughout the year by local clubs, schools, community groups and the wider public.
“The location at Inverness Campus offers excellent connectivity and will serve established communities including Cradlehall, Westhill, Inshes, Inshes Wood, Culloden, Balloch, and Smithton and Raigmore as well as having the potential to link with courses at UHI for example.
“The council will look to see how the pitch can bring maximum benefit to the local community, amateur and professional teams, and I look forward to having further discussions with partners to ensure this facility realises its full potential.
“My thanks to everyone who has contributed to getting the project off the ground and look forward to seeing completion of this important project.”
Charlie Christie, director of football at Inverness Caledonian Thistle Football Club, added, “‘It’s great news that work will start on this brand-new, top-quality sports facility at Inverness Campus. As a vibrant and developing city Inverness needs new, state of the art sports pitches to allow the growth of sport in our area. We are really looking forward to seeing the completed facility and working with the Highland Council team to promote usage and further participation in football going forward.”
