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Life Sciences Innovation Centre - a catalyst for growth
How the power of partnership shapes a better future
In April 2023, the latest chapter in Inverness Campus’ ground-breaking journey began as the £9.5 million Life Sciences Innovation Centre (LSIC) was officially unveiled by HRH the Princess Royal.
A collaborative effort between HIE and the UHI, LSIC’s opening marks a significant milestone in the growth of a thriving life sciences community in the region. Spanning an impressive 2,500 square metres, it offers tailor-made laboratory and office space designed to foster close links between businesses and academia.
Central to LSIC, the UHI's Institute of Health Research and Innovation drives progress in active health, nanotechnology, and rural health. Close by the NHS' National Treatment Centre - Highland is a specialist facility excelling in ophthalmology and orthopedics. Inverness Campus, already established as a national and international hub for business, research, and education, now contributes over 1,000 jobs to the sector.
The build
LSIC offers top class growth opportunities, however, its benefit to the region started well before its doors opened. The construction journey in itself is a tale of economic prosperity and community enrichment.
The LSIC contract was awarded to Elgin based Robertson Construction Northern Limited in 2021. The procurement process offers much more than a financial transaction. In addition to standard questions on how the construction contract would be delivered and what it could cost, we required bidders to provide community benefits. Robertson aligned these to the project to maximise local social impact and support community wealth building.
Results delivered include:
- £4.5M spend with subcontractors within the HIE area;
- recruitment of 18 additional members of staff and 1 apprentice;
- 5 work experience placements;
- visits to a number of schools in Inverness and Dingwall ranging from real life practical skills such as how to use maths in construction through to conducting mock interviews with pupils;
- face-to-face workshops on career pathways, CV/applications and interview skills; with pupils in S5/6 at Kilchuimen Academy in Fort Augustus which helped them achieve Level 4 Scottish Credit and Qualifications SCQF in Employability skills;
- hosting school site visits to see a project in delivery;
- site team donated time and resources to build planters on Inverness Campus pedestrian area; and
- access to mental health talks from Mikeysline for both employees and the wider supply chain.
Community benefits provide a valuable opportunity for those developing our economy to choose fairer change. By prioritising these benefits our agencies, local councils, health, universities, colleges, housing associations, and private sector employers can help tackle long standing challenges and inequalities within communities.
Green credentials
Green initiatives have played a pivotal role in LSIC's development.
Robertson, the project's contractor, takes environmental responsibility to heart, setting sights on becoming climate positive by 2030. This ambitious target is fuelled by comprehensive carbon management plans that extend across various construction processes, ensuring a holistic approach to minimising emissions and maximising sustainability.
Originally designed with a gas heating system, the building’s plans underwent a transformation under the expert eye of sub-contractors RiCruden. Now a fossil-free environment, LSIC has one of the region's most extensive air source heating and ventilation systems.
Robertson is passionate about bringing the next generation of young people into the construction and property sector where career choices are vast and employees have the opportunity to develop worthwhile careers.Gary McKenzie, project manager, Robertson Group
Developing skills
Careers have been fostered and milestones met as part of the LSIC construction journey. Apprenticeships have thrived, skill sets have expanded, and the project has become a launchpad for promising careers.
This includes young professionals like Jamie Macintosh, a graduate quantity surveyor with Robertson, who can point to LSIC as his first major construction project. He returned to the region after studying in Edinburgh, and is himself now supporting the next generation of apprentices.
Cosima Kramer-Lomax is originally from Germany, she's now working in the Highlands in a plumbing apprenticeship created by RiCruden as a direct result of the LSIC contract. Heating engineer Ricky Mackenzie was on site for RiCruden from day one, and his work at LSIC as a 4th year apprentice has attracted national awards.
The impact of LSIC is evident not just in its physical presence, but also in its numerous stories of personal and community development.
As Katy Cameron, Robertson’s community impact advisor, puts it: "The design and build of LSIC leaves an important legacy for future generations as part of the wider Inverness Campus. LSIC is not just a centre for life sciences innovation; it’s already a catalyst for growth and an example of the power of partnerships in shaping a better future.”
photo (L-R) Jamie, Katy, Cosima and Ricky
It's very rewarding to deliver community benefits for Robertson Northern’s projects such as LSIC. As a young person myself, it is fantastic to assist other young people, supporting their career development and local employment opportunities.Katy Cameron, community impact advisor, Robertson
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