A SEARCH has begun for a partner to help develop plans for a major business park near Inverness Airport.
The first phase of the project, which could ultimately be worth more than £65 million a year to the Highland economy, will result in about 28 hectares becoming available for office and general business uses. An outline planning application for the pa
rk, which forms part of the Inverness Local Plan, has been submitted to Highland Council and a decision is expected in early 2009.
The proposals have been put forward by Inverness Airport Business Park (IABP), a joint venture involving Highlands and Islands Airport Ltd, Moray Estates and Highlands and Islands Enterprise with support from Highland Council.
The site forms part of the Inverness to Nairn A96 corridor and sits next to one of Scotland's fastest growing airports and the Inverness to Aberdeen rail link.
Separately, planning permission was obtained for a rail halt near the airport.
Alan Price, the IABP chairman, said: "This is an exciting project for the right partner to be involved with. It is arguably one of Scotland's most significant business development opportunities.
"We have already received a high level of interest from parties looking to become involved in IABP and we look forward to identifying a suitable company to help take our vision forward."
He added: "Inverness is a thriving city that continues to grow at a considerable rate thanks to both public and private sector investment. The business park will meet existing and anticipated demand for new space from industrial and commercial enterprises."
The concept of a business park next to Inverness Airport was first proposed in 2001 and became part of the Inverness Local Plan in 2006.
IABP has invited expressions of interest by 13 December.
