Could you help shape the future of Wick High Street?
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
WICKERS are being given the chance to help transform their High Street into a more vibrant, accessible and welcoming place as part of the town centre regeneration initiative.
A street design project for the town is being delivered by Sustrans Scotland – a charity that aims to create "liveable neighbourhoods" and transform the urban environment with "happier and healthier" spaces.
Working alongside local councillors, the charity is set to deliver the Wick Street Design project which aims to improve the pedestrianised zone of High Street, including Market Square and the two pedestrian crossings on Bridge Street.
Local residents, business and community groups are invited to drop in to the council offices at Caithness House between 2pm and 6pm on Thursday, October 17, to find out more about the project. There will also be refreshments as well as child-friendly activities.
Councillor Nicola Sinclair, the project champion, said: “The street design project is one part of a fully funded regeneration plan that local members will launch soon.
“I'm absolutely delighted to welcome the expert Sustrans Scotland team to Wick, where they will support our community in re-imagining the town centre, delivering a High Street that is more vibrant and welcoming for all.
“I know people will have lots of great ideas to suggest and hope to see a great response to the public event on the 17th and to the online and paper surveys.”
The community will primarily be involved in the design process for these areas. However, the section of Bridge Street between the junction and the bridge is also open for comments to understand the means by which High Street is accessed by foot, wheelchair or bike.
Kasia Koziel, Sustrans Scotland project lead, said: “This is the first in a series of engagement activities in the area. We want to provide as many opportunities as possible for people to be able to share their ideas on how we redesign the area.
She added that the aim was to create a "more welcoming and more attractive space" that will give people of all ages and abilities a comfortable and safe area to walk, wheel and cycle through.
The collaborative design also aims to create a sense of identity for Wick town centre which will draw on local culture and heritage.
Councillor Sinclair said that after the project is delivered Wick will have a revamped town centre with "better paving, accessibility, seating, signage, lighting, greenery and flowers".
An interactive project website is open until October 23 to allow people to submit their comments and ideas at https://wick.commonplace.is
The comments can also be submitted in writing between October 5-23 at locations across Wick including Morag’s Café, High Street; Pulteney Centre, Huddart Street; the Co-op store, Angle Park, Thurso Road; and Tesco, North Road.
