In May 2010 it was decided that the college would move to a new purpose-built site at the Beechwood farm, co-locating with the Scottish Agricultural College, the Centre for Health Science phase 4, and a training hotel operated by a partnership between the Calman Trust and Albyn Housing.

The principal of UHI at the time, James Fraser, said: "This is a flagship development which will provide Inverness with a university campus and vibrant student life.

UHI is a partnership of colleges and research centres throughout the region, and the development of any one partner brings strength to the whole institution.

"[2] It was estimated that the new campus would contribute more than £50 million to the economy of the Highlands because it could attract innovative commercial businesses interested in research and development, while increasing the number of students who study within the city by around 3,000.

[4] In June 2017, the college's board of management appointed Christopher O'Neil to become principal in the following academic year.