UHI Inverness’ new hub helps build greener futures

A former tool hire unit is set to become a sustainable construction centre.

UHI Inverness, part of the University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI), has leased the 12,000sq ft premises on Harbour Road from Highland property investment and development company Ark Estates, transforming the site with classrooms, workshops and industry collaboration space. 

Supported by a £352,000 grant from SSEN Regional Community Benefit Fund, the centre will replace UHI’s training facility on Burnett Road, with bosses saying the new hub was “just what we were looking for” to expand the tertiary education provider’s construction-related curriculum and meet growing demand for skills in the construction and renewable energy sectors. 

The retrofitted unit also features solar panels, heat pump technology and LED lighting.

Carrie Higgins, UHI Inverness tertiary education leader, said: “We are delighted to have secured the unit.

“The centre forms an important part of UHI Inverness’ response to the burgeoning demand for skills across the region associated with economic development and housing.” 

Willie Gray, managing director of Ark Estates, added: “It is great to see the establishment of the new sustainable construction centre on the site, which will train the next generation of skilled workers across sectors such as construction and renewable energy. 

“As we are doing with all commercial units across our portfolio, we have invested heavily in making sure the Harbour Road site is as energy efficient as possible with the installation of the latest clean energy solutions making the building as close to net-zero as we can get with retrofitting an existing structure.” 

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