The Inverness Chamber of Commerce is encouraging businesses and residents to engage with the new Inverness Interchange Feasibility Study – a major step towards creating an integrated transport hub and revitalised Station Quarter that connects bus, coach, rail, active travel and modern parking in a single, joined-up civic quarter.
Commissioned by The Highland Council in partnership with HITRANS and Network Rail, the feasibility study tests options for publicly owned land around Farraline Park, Strothers Lane and Rose Street and indicates that replacement of the existing bus station and multi-storey car park represents the most sustainable long-term solution.
Early recommendations include a new 14–16 stance bus and coach station close to the railway station to improve interchange, alongside an approximately 850-space modern multi-storey car park behind the A-listed library with EV provision and active travel links. The wider vision extends beyond transport, creating the opportunity to transform Farraline Park into a traffic-free civic square, strengthen walking and wheeling routes, and support mixed-use regeneration that boosts footfall and economic activity in the city centre – reinforcing Inverness as a place to live, work and invest.
Design work for the study has been undertaken by masterplanners and architects Austin-Smith:Lord, with transport planning input from SCP and engineering advice from Cameron & Ross. Early engagement has also involved operators including ScotRail and Stagecoach, reflecting the importance of collaboration across transport and business sectors.
Colin Marr, Chief Executive of the Chamber, commented, “This is about more than transport. This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to rebuild Inverness’s front door and create a Station Quarter that works better for businesses, residents and visitors. A modern interchange and civic space can drive economic benefits, improve accessibility and strengthen the city’s appeal as a destination. We encourage members to take part in the consultation – even if you support the principles – because feedback will shape how the project develops and ensure outcomes that deliver long-term value.”
The consultation opens this evening (Friday 27 February) at 5pm until 10 April and invites views on design principles, layout options and opportunities for regeneration. Responses will inform the next phase of design development, costing and funding work in line with guidance from Transport Scotland.
There will also be an in-person consultation event on Wednesday 11 March at Inverness Library where residents can explore the plans in full and ask questions.
The Chamber urges businesses to participate and help shape a Station Quarter that supports economic growth and sustainable urban renewal for the benefit of the wider Highland community.
*Consultation opens from 5pm, Friday 27 February 2026, closing on Friday 10 April 2026