The appointment will see Andrew Black Design lead a multidisciplinary team in the design and consenting of new small business facilities on Plot 14 of the Campus, including the development of single-storey light industrial/office units and modular buildings.

This new phase of development will support the continued growth of Inverness Campus as a world-class location for business, research, and innovation. The site brings together academia, life sciences, and commercial enterprises to create a vibrant and collaborative environment.

Andrew Black Design will coordinate a full design team including civil and structural engineers, services engineers, and sustainability consultants to deliver detailed designs (to RIBA Stage 4) which will allow HIE to take forward a separate future construction tender for the development. The project scope includes obtaining planning and building consents, detailed site servicing, fit-out options, and a comprehensive Whole Life Carbon Assessment aligned with net zero carbon ambitions.

The new development will align with HIE’s strategic vision for the Highlands and Islands – fostering economic growth, sustainability, and community development across the region.

Andrew Black, director at Andrew Black Design, said: “We are delighted to have been selected by HIE to play a key role in the next chapter of Inverness Campus. We are committed to delivering high-quality, sustainable, and cost-effective designs that reflect the innovation and ambition of the Campus. We now look forward to proceeding to detailed design work over the coming weeks.”

Charlie Lawrence, head of property and infrastructure at HIE, added: “We’re really pleased to award the contract to Andrew Black Design. The business facilities, once complete, will offer flexibility to the growing organisations that are benefiting from the advantages of Inverness Campus as a business location and will ultimately bring benefits to communities across the region.”