The Highland Council has partnered with Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE), and the Lochaber Chamber of Commerce for a transformative dynamic masterplan for the future of Fort William's town centre.

The masterplan has been developed by the joint initiative as the next steps involving a series of public engagements events being held across Lochaber to enable collective and diverse community input that will help shape the masterplan going forward.

A comprehensive study, led by Threesixty Architecture, engaged stakeholders to redefine the town's core, aligning with current and emerging policies and strategies relevant to the Lochaber area and assisted with the creation of the first stage of the masterplan development.

The launch of the public engagement events took place recently at the Nevis Centre, Fort William to showcase the initial draft of the masterplan and offered the opportunity to directly engage with around two hundred members of the public.

-- Advertisement --

Economy and Infrastructure Committee Chair. Cllr Ken Gowans said: "The masterplan marks the beginning of this exciting transformative journey and will serve as a guideline to assess and nurture future development and attract inward investment.

"The masterplan has already sparked positive community feedback and with continued place planning, collaborative commitment and both public and private investment, it opens endless possibilities to really transform Fort William's town centre into a vibrant and attractive environment that reflects and meets the needs of the community."

The dynamic Fort William Masterplan proposes a town centre intricately connected:

• To the community:

An inclusive and accessible town centre with increased levels of living, working and play for all, regardless of mobility or income.

• To the Highlands:

A town centre that serves not just its local population but a vibrant hub for the wider region, home to essential civic and cultural services.

• To the water:

A town centre that celebrates its location on the shore of Loch Linnhe and makes the most of the opportunity this presents.

• To visitors:

A energised and attractive town centre that presents itself as a true 'Gateway to the Highlands', building on the strong tourism market to ensure growth and resilience.

Further public engagement events will be held across Lochaber and publicised early 2024.