The development of a new life sciences centre at the University of the Highlands and Islands begun this week in a boost for innovative projects.

Developer Robertson Construction Northern has started work on the £9-million project, a partnership between the University of the Highlands and Islands and Highlands and Islands Enterprise, at the Inverness Campus this week.

The 2500m² building will provide facilities to help businesses and academia to work collaboratively on new and innovative life science projects.

Additionally, the centre will provide access to high-tech research equipment and lab conditions for collaborative research, particularly in the fields of medical nanotechnology and active health.

Funding for the centre has been provided by the Inverness and Highland City Region Deal and the European Regional Development Fund.

Wider collaboration in research, innovation and commercialisation will be supported by NHS Highland, which is currently developing the National Treatment Centre Highland on the campus. Together, these are set to create around 190 jobs.

Commenting on the news, Professor Todd Walker, principal and vice-chancellor of the University of the Highlands and Islands, said: “It is exciting to see the construction phase of this collaborative venture get underway.

“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.”

Life sciences programme

Life sciences is an important area for the University of the Highlands and Islands, which already runs a life sciences programme.

The programme secured £9m from the UK Government through the Inverness and Highland City-Region Deal – a joint £315m initiative supported by both the UK and Scottish governments.

Frank Reid, regional managing director, Robertson Construction Northern, said: “Today’s start onsite marks our fourth project at the university.

“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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Alistair Dodds CBE, chair of Highlands and Islands Enterprise, added: “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.

“I am delighted to see work get underway and very much look forward to seeing the new life sciences innovation centre take shape.”