Plans to build a creative hub, new affordable homes and retirement flats in a historic Inverness building have been revealed.
The Midmills Campus was closed earlier this year after Inverness College UHI moved to its new home on the outskirts of the city.
But now a joint venture involving Highland Council, retirement home specialists McCarthy & Stone and artists Wasps Studios is set to bring the building back into use.
The main listed building will be converted by Wasps Studios into a gallery and working area for artists.
Highland Council will develop 30 affordable houses on the campus, while McCarthy & Stone will build 45 apartments designed for people over the age of 60.
Steve Wiseman, managing director of McCarthy & Stone in Scotland, said: “The site at Midmills Campus provides a fantastic opportunity to secure the long-term future of the listed building on the site, whilst also providing much needed retirement and social housing for the local community.”
Audrey Carlin, senior executive director for business development at Wasps Studios said: “This exciting project will allow creative people of many kinds to work and mix together – collaborating on all sorts of projects – as well as bringing back into use two significant listed buildings with new socially valuable activities.
“Our research has shown that there are lots of people in the arts and creative industries who would love to base their practice in Inverness, but can’t find the right premises. Hubs like these can boost local economies and be invaluable in providing options for skilled young people who might otherwise have to move away to develop their careers.”
A public exhibition of detailed plans is due to be held in early 2016 ahead of a full planning application being submitted.