Design proposals for revamped Wick town centre to go on show

Proposals for a revamp of Wick town centre are to go on show to the public.

Draft designs from the charity Sustrans Scotland aim to make the High Street and Market Square area "more attractive, more accessible and more welcoming", as well as reflecting Wick's cultural heritage.

Local councillor Nicola Sinclair, chairperson of Highland Council's Caithness Committee, says the street design project has the potential to transform the town centre and make it a "far more vibrant" place.

Feedback will be sought from local people.

A visualisation issued today by Sustrans Scotland shows a section of High Street with a noticeable increase in greenery and additional public benches in front of a spruced-up former Original Factory Shop building, with a fish symbol embedded in the surface of Market Square as a nod to Wick's maritime traditions.

The design proposals – developed through a series of community activities held since last autumn – are to be showcased outside the council offices at Caithness House from August 24 until September 14.

Councillor Sinclair, the project champion and acting chairperson of Wick Development Trust (Wick’s Heart), said: “The street design project has the potential to transform our High Street and make it a far more vibrant and welcoming area for locals and visitors.

"The Sustrans team have carried out extensive public consultation and worked with numerous local groups to pull together these designs, and I am really looking forward to hearing what people think of them.

"I’d encourage people to contact the team with their feedback. Taken together with the other initiatives under the town centre regeneration banner – such as the redesigned riverside car park, demolition of two derelict buildings and plans for walking and cycling routes – we have the opportunity to give Wick a much-needed boost.”

Kasia Koziel, Sustrans Scotland street design project lead, said: “Since launching the project last September, we have been delighted to see the high levels of feedback and creative suggestions that local people have given to these designs for the pedestrian precinct.

"People clearly want to see Wick’s history reflected on their High Street. They also want a welcoming atmosphere for people.

"We’d encourage anyone with an interest in the area to view and shape these proposals further through the planned activities.”

The public will be able to provide feedback on the proposed designs and recommendations by visiting the project website.

Alternatively, paper surveys can be picked up at Co-op or the Pulteney Centre and submitted by September 14, using an enclosed freepost envelope.

Local people are also invited to attend a webinar on September 9 to engage directly with the design team, provide feedback and ask questions. To register for the webinar, click here.

Sustrans' aims include "connecting people and places" and creating "liveable neighbourhoods".

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