West Coast Estates unveils £6m shopping and charging hub plan near Inverness
Aberdeen-based West Coast Estates (WCE) is behind new plans for a £6 million retail development featuring an electric vehicle (EV) charging station at a site in North Kessock, near Inverness.
The project, which would also include a convenience store and food & drink hub, is expected to deliver 100 new jobs on top of the 50 employment opportunities created in the construction phase.
The chosen site just off the A9, on the north side of the Kessock Bridge, is “ideally located”, said WCE.
A range of new facilities there is expected to appeal to tourists starting out on the iconic North Coast 500 route. The EV charging station would be the first of its kind for the area, WCE added. It would provide 16 high-speed charging points for up to 32 vehicles.
A new website offers an option for people to comment either online or through a downloadable feedback form by July 28.
Iftikar Mian, director, WCE, said: “Our vision is to bring state-of-the-art infrastructure and enhanced convenience to the Highlands, while supporting the local economy with the creation of more than 100 jobs.
“We are aiming to cater for residents living in the area and those travelling north and south.
“This will be a £6m development, featuring well-known brands, providing a convenience store, food hub and superfast EV charging facility. The aim is to support the move to more sustainable travel.”
Mr Mian added: “We value the input of the local community and look forward to working together to create a development that meets their needs and has a positive impact on the area.”