Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) is preparing to submit plans for a sports centre as part of a proposed £100m University campus in Inverness, Scotland, next week.

The development, to be located on 200-acres of land at Beechwood, is to be called Inverness Campus and will be part of the Millennium Institute's University of the Highlands and Islands portfolio of colleges. The scheme is expected to generate in excess of £50m a year for the local economy. Designed by MAKE architects, in consultation with planning agents Turnberry Consulting, the proposed facilities include a gym, outdoor sports pitches, a swimming pool and a public park. An Olympic-sized swimming pool is also a consideration following a campaign launched by Inverness Swimming Club but, although HIE do not oppose the idea, it's not in a position to fund such as venture. If another organisation is willing to front the cost of a 50m swimming pool then it will be considered.

Other proposed projects within the development include academic facilities for further and higher education, a science park and offices. A spokesperson said: "The Highlands and Islands region has long suffered from an outward migration of talented young people from the region as they leave to study at universities in other parts of Scotland and further afield.

"UHI believes that an attractive, modern, education and research campus at Beechwood will help Inverness and the wider area to attract and retain the talent we need as the region’s economy develops," said UHI principal, Professor Bob Cormack. Construction is expected to start in 2010 and completed by 2013.