How Spaces for People became the £800,000 plan Places for Everyone to transform Academy Street in Inverness through a bid to encourage more people to the city centre on bike and by foot – and less by car
The Scottish Government is set to provide Inverness with £800,000 for the Places for Everyone initiative to redevelop the layout of Academy Street – so long as Highland Council can find a viable safe route for cyclists to cross the city.
The scheme was born off the divisive Spaces for People programme that was implemented during the height of the pandemic – but some people judged it to be a failure.
It was hated by some businesses and motorists and it was put in place without consultation, only to be ripped up at the first opportunity amid concerns about access for emergency vehicles.
In 2021, Inverness councillors voted to keep one part of the scheme in Academy Street and now that will form the foundation of the new design.
The central focus is to widen the pavement and increase space for pedestrians and the council secured the cash with the aim of making it a more attractive and healthier place for people.
Except this time businesses, locals and various groups will be consulted on the designs in the hope of persuading more people to get on board with the biggest changes seen on the street for many years.
Emily Gait, Grants Manager for Places for Everyone at Sustrans, said: “We are committed to work with The Highland Council to make Inverness city centre more accessible for people walking, wheeling and cycling.
“We would encourage people to take the time and have their say on the proposal for Academy Street and Inverness city centre.”
