A new sports block and teaching space for pupils with additional support needs will be created at Inverness High School.
It is part of plans to modernise the learning environment as part of a multi-million-pound investment by The Highland Council.
Pupils, parents, staff and members of the community are invited to view the plans at a drop-in event at Inverness High School on Tuesday 6 October between 2pm and 7pm.
A second drop-in will take place after the October school break on Tuesday 17 November between 2pm and 7pm.
The project will be funded through the Highland Investment Plan - a £2.1 billion, 20-year capital investment programme to improve schools, roads and local infrastructure throughout the region. The plan is funded through a combination of borrowing and a 2% ring-fenced allocation of Council Tax revenue.
As part of the Highland Investment Plan, all new school buildings will be designed as Community Points of Delivery (PODs), with the flexibility to accommodate education provision alongside other community facilities, council services and partner organisations, within modern, locally accessible community hubs.
The investment in the Inverness High School Community PoD will include:
- A new-build sports block with fitness suite and community room.
- A new 3G sports pitch
- A dedicated additional support needs base, which will be created in a refurbished space within the current sports block.
- Current modular units, a games hall and a vacant 1970s wing of the building, which are no longer fit for purpose, will be demolished.
- Access in and out of the school campus will be improved.
- Improvements to external social spaces
The works have been planned to protect the heritage of the art deco style of the listed building.
Ogilvie Construction has been identified as the preferred main contractor.
Chair of Highland Council’s education committee, Cllr John Finlayson, said: “The Inverness High School Community PoD is a key Highland Investment Plan project, which will improve the learning environment for pupils, support health and wellbeing, and create opportunities for the wider community. It is great to reach this important milestone and I look forward to seeing work commence on site next year.”
Inverness Central ward members, Cllr Michael Cameron, Cllr Kate MacLean, and Cllr Dr Michael Gregson, added: “This investment in Inverness High School will be significant for staff, pupils, parents and the wider community, who will benefit from the new facilities. We encourage pupils, parents, staff and the local community to attend these drop-in events and share their views before planning permission is formally submitted.”
The drop-in events planned in October and November have been planned to gather community feedback prior to planning permission being submitted.
A stakeholder group for the project is to be formed, comprising local councillors, High Life Highland, community councils, and parent, pupil and school representatives. It ensures key stakeholders are kept up-to-date and can provide feedback as the project moves forward.
The works are due to commence on site 2027, with a completion date expected in 2030.