Work is continuing across a wide range of projects that are helping to shape the future of Fort William and Lochaber as part of the Fort William 2040 (FW2040) programme.
FW2040 brings together The Highland Council and partner organisations around a shared vision for creating a great place to live, work, visit and invest. The programme was developed with local communities, businesses and stakeholders and provides a long-term roadmap for sustainable growth and regeneration.
Since its launch, significant progress has been made across a number of projects, with 13 initiatives already delivered and many more continuing to move forward.
Achievements to date include new housing developments, flood protection improvements, active travel infrastructure, the expansion of visitor facilities, digital connectivity upgrades, and town centre investment.
Lochaber Area Committee Chair, Cllr Kate Willis, said: “FW2040 is about taking a long-term view and working together to deliver meaningful improvements for Fort William and Lochaber.
“While many of the projects are complex and take time to develop, real progress is being made, and momentum is growing. We have already seen significant investment delivered across the area and there is a strong pipeline of projects that will help support communities, businesses and visitors over the coming years.
“The strength of FW2040 is the partnership approach, bringing organisations together behind a shared vision for the area we call home.”
Over the next 12 months, FW2040 partners will focus on several key priorities, including progressing plans for Fort William town centre, supporting future culture and leisure facilities, and continuing work on the Fort William Integrated Transport Plan to develop a package of deliverable proposals to improve travel and transport in the town.
The programme will also continue to support wider developments that are helping to shape the future of the area, including housing growth, healthcare investment, active travel improvements, community-led facilities and economic development opportunities.
A recent appraisal of culture and leisure provision has identified opportunities to create more modern, flexible and accessible facilities that better meet the needs of residents and visitors in the future. Work is now underway to consider how these findings can help inform future investment decisions.
Progress is also being made on proposals to improve the town's transport infrastructure, including plans to enhance the bus station and wider transport connections. Alongside this, work is continuing on the Fort William Integrated Transport Plan, which will help inform how people move around, and through the town, into the wider Lochaber area in the years ahead.
As part of a renewed focus on engagement and transparency, FW2040's online information will be updated to make it easier for people to follow project progress and understand how individual initiatives contribute to the wider vision for the area.
FW2040 Project Manager, Alison Martin said: “The programme continues to evolve as projects progress and new opportunities emerge.
“Our focus is on ensuring effort is directed where it can add the greatest value, supporting projects that will help create a vibrant, connected and sustainable future for Fort William and Lochaber.
“Partnership working remains at the heart of FW2040 and we look forward to continuing to work with communities, businesses and organisations as we move into the next phase of delivery.”
The FW2040 vision extends beyond individual projects. It aims to ensure that investment across housing, transport, health, culture, tourism, economic development and community infrastructure is coordinated to maximise benefits for local people and create a thriving Fort William and Lochaber for future generations.