The Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service (SCTS) intends to build the new centre a site between Longman Road and Burnett Road, following a pre-planning application and public exhibition held in August.

The former bus depot site was considered after the SCTS withdrew a conditional offer to buy a site for the proposed hub on vacant land also on Burnett Road.

The construction of the Reiach & Hall-designed two-storey centre will be funded by the Scottish Government.

A SCTS spokesperson said: “As well as providing a six courtroom facility, it will host other justice organisations and third sector organisations providing specialist facilities to support and advise victims and witnesses of domestic abuse, sexual violence and provide an environment for problem solving approaches to help reduce re-offending, and child abuse.”

If granted planning permission, the new facility is expected to be opened by 2019 and will pave the way for high profile High Court cases to the Highlands for the first time since 2013.

The centre will allow the court service to vacate Inverness Castle – with plans to create a new tourist facility in the area.