FW2040: setting out priorities for year ahead

At today’s Lochaber Area Committee (Monday 26 January 2026), Members supported the FW2040 Masterplan progress to date, and the identified priorities for the coming year. 

FW2040 has set out its programme of activity over the next six months, focusing on the continued delivery of Fort William’s long‑term vision for a thriving, well-connected, and inclusive town.

Priorities include progressing town centre master planning, advancing major transport studies, strengthening collaboration with local partners, and supporting the development of culture, leisure, and community facilities.

Lochaber Area Committee Chair, Cllr Kate Willis said: "The months ahead represent a crucial phase in moving positively forward positively with the long‑term ambitions for Fort William.

"The work underway across transport, culture, leisure, and town centre regeneration will help ensure the town continues to grow as a vibrant, accessible and sustainable place for residents, businesses and visitors alike.

"By working closely with our partners and the community, we can make meaningful progress on the projects that will shape Fort William’s future.”

Town Centre Master planning

Work will continue to advance delivery of the Fort William Town Centre Masterplan, with a particular focus on:

• Developing proposals for culture and leisure services and facilities.
• Progressing feasibility work on the potential relocation of the bus station.
• Supporting partners to drive implementation and investment opportunities.

Integrated Transport Plan

The Highland Council will remain a core member of the Integrated Transport Plan (ITP) Client Delivery Group, helping to drive forward the Fort William ITP. Recent progress includes:

• Completion of peak and off‑peak traffic surveys.
• Strong engagement at the Lochaber ‘Partnering for Progress’ event.
• Initial review and filtering of approximately 30 multimodal transport options.
• Preparation of an updated traffic model ahead of option appraisal.
• Public consultation planned for spring 2026.

Bus Station feasibility work

Austin-Smith:Lord has been commissioned to assess improvements to the existing bus station and explore potential relocation options. The study includes:

• Reviewing how local, regional, and coach services could be integrated.
• Identifying opportunities to rationalise routes, including the A82 right‑turn movement.
• Gathering community feedback, which has highlighted concerns such as the lack of toilets, weather protection, underpass safety, distance to the town centre, and limited travel information.

Next steps will involve further engagement with operators, assessing capacity and service requirements, and exploring feasible options. An update will be provided to the FW2040 Transport Sub‑Group early in 2026.

Culture and Leisure options appraisal

Hub North Scotland and Mott MacDonald have begun a review of culture and leisure provision across Fort William. The study will:

• Evaluate current arts, events, library, sports, and recreation facilities.
• Consider major venues including Lochaber Leisure Centre, the Nevis Centre, and Fort William Library.
• Assess opportunities for improvement or reconfiguration.

A project inception meeting has taken place with site visits scheduled early in 2026. FW2040 will provide local insight and oversight throughout.

Business Improvement District collaboration

The newly established Fort William Business Improvement District (BID) has joined the FW2040 Board. Over the year ahead, opportunities for collaborative projects and coordinated town centre improvements will be explored.

The full report can be found here (Item 14).