Wick regeneration boosted by new funds
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A SERIES of funding initiatives totalling almost £500,000 announced on Thursday (June 20) could see Wick town centre refurbished in plans spearheaded by local councillors.
Earlier in the spring, local councillors submitted an application to the Sustrans Scotland Street Design Programme and have just learned that Wick is one of the chosen projects – having beaten off stiff competition from across Scotland.
Speaking on behalf of the local councillors, Nicola Sinclair said: "All four of us promised that we would take action to improve Wick town centre and we've been working towards this point for two years, researching ideas, talking to experts and potential funders and walking the town centre, taking notes and photos."
Funding of around £200,000 is coming from the Scottish Government's Sustrans programme – an award-winning design and engagement service empowering communities to transform their neighbourhoods and urban spaces. Following the successful application, Sustrans engineers and architects will now work closely with stakeholders and the wider public to monitor and evaluate activity in the town centre – specifically Bridge Street and High Street – and its suitability for all users.
The team will then produce a concept design and architectural plans to take forward with Highland Council. Once complete, a second stage application to deliver the project can attract up to 100 per cent funding.
"These are major steps forward and together with the council’s Town Centre Fund we now have close to half a million pounds to realise our regeneration plans," said councillor Sinclair.
The councillors had previously described Wick town centre as "uninspiring, cold and dominated by concrete" with recent public meetings also highlighting traffic management problems such as illegal parking and congestion.
Councillor Sinclair said: "Any new design will aim to improve the accessibility and enjoyment of the town centre for locals and tourists, with traffic calming, lighting, seating and planting designed to create a more attractive and welcoming civic space."
The physical regeneration of the town centre is one of three major components in the councillors’ draft regeneration plans – which also includes a flagship development for the town centre in the shape of an indoor market.
The indoor market was proposed as a desirable addition to the town centre, and identified as an ideal development in the pedestrianised Market Square. Further funding of around £18,000 has been awarded from Beatrice Offshore Windfarm Ltd (Bowl) to explore this proposal.
The councillors, together with Wick Community Council, will make a bid for further funding towards this proposal later this year.
Other major regeneration plans include: tackling derelict buildings and empty shop units; a shop front grant scheme to help owners improve their premises and work towards a coherent visual identity for the town centre; and a resurfacing and landscaping of the Riverside Car Park to function as a key hub for town centre visitors.
Community council secretary, John Bogle, said that regeneration was vital as the town centre was "dying on its feet".
"We want to see the town centre vibrant again as a colourful place that locals and visitors will want to spend time in."
A Wick Development Trust is in the process of being created to take forward the various initiatives.
Cllr Sinclair said: "We have done this as a team, working across political lines to deliver something meaningful for our community.
"For the first time in decades, we have a detailed and now fully funded plan to tackle derelict buildings, improve footfall and create a more vibrant and attractive town centre we can all be proud of.
"The community has been incredibly receptive and since the very first meeting we’ve had people coming forward with ideas and offers of help. The momentum is behind us now and people can expect to see big changes for the better in the coming months.’
