Council due to award £8.5m office contract
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THREE tenders are being evaluated for the new £8.5 million Highland Council building in Wick.
The news was confirmed yesterday by local ward manager David Sutherland who said it was hoped the successful bid would be accepted "early next month".
Mr Sutherland said plans were being finalised for the temporary staff transfer to offices in Girnigoe Street which is due to take place in September/October.
The new premises in Market Square are expected to be ready in 2014.
Mr Sutherland told the Groat three tenders had been received from national contractors and were being evaluated.
He pointed out local firms were likely to be pricing for some of the work associated with the project.
Construction of the new building will cost £7m while the total budget for the temporary transfer of staff, IT equipment and furniture will be £8.5m.
The new offices will incorporate the existing car park at the back of the building but Mr Sutherland denied the council would be taking over any public car parks in the town to compensate for its loss.
He explained staff would no longer have a dedicated car park and would use public facilities in the town centre.
The ward manager said a car parking survey had been carried out and revealed an occupancy of between 40 and 50 per cent.
He said some social work staff did not use the existing council car park while other employees used public car parks.
"There is huge parking capacity within 500 metres of the council building," said Mr Sutherland.
"We will not be taking over any public car park. Staff will no longer have a dedicated car park and will have to access public facilities which are nearby."
Joanna Coghill, secretary of the Royal Burgh of Wick Community Council, said she did not believe the loss of the local authority car park would impact on the town.
"We have no concerns at this stage about the extra demand for car parking in Wick.
"There is capacity in other parts of the town centre," she said.
