WORK has started on a £9 million life sciences research and innovation centre that aims to create almost 200 jobs in the Highlands and boost access to high-tech research equipment in medical nanotechnology and active health.
The 2500sq m building in Inverness is a partnership between the University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI) and Highlands and Island Enterprise (HIE).
It has been designed by architects Austin-Smith: Lord and is being built by Robertson Construction Northern, who started work on the site this week.
The building will provide access to equipment and laboratory space to allow businesses and academia to work collaboratively on life sciences projects.
Funding of £9m has come from the Inverness and Highland City Region Deal, along with £3.75m from the European Regional Development Fund.
The centre will also support wider collaboration in research, innovation and commercialisation with NHS Highland, which is currently developing the National Treatment Centre Highland on the Inverness campus.
Professor Todd Walker, principal and vice-chancellor of the UHI, said: “The development will increase our research in fields such as medical nanotechnology and active health and will help us to provide greater support to the region's life sciences sector.
“We hope to create a facility of national significance which will bring economic benefits to our region through innovation, commercialisation, company and job creation and the attraction and retention of talent.”
HIE chair, Alistair Dodds, said: “This is a great milestone for Inverness Campus and for the region's life sciences sector.
“The commercial opportunities, high value career options and innovation and research initiatives that will stem from this development will have region-wide benefits.
“Importantly, it will help attract and retain talent and sustain populations, which of course is crucial to regional prosperity.”
Frank Reid, regional managing director, Robertson Construction Northern, added: “Life sciences play a critical role in the health of the region and the nation, and none more so than in the last 18 months.
“We are proud to be the partner of choice to deliver another high-quality facility at Inverness Campus and look forward to continuing our relationship with the University of Highlands and Islands and Highlands and Islands Enterprise.”
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