New lease of life for three empty premises in Wick
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
THREE former business premises in Wick are about to take on a new lease of life and give a boost to local retail trade in the town centre.
Morag Mackenzie and her partner, Andy Bacon, who run Morags in High Street, are to take over Turner’s shop and the premises which were occupied by the Highland Law Practice.
The nearby former fish shop has been acquired by the DeVita family who run the town’s Italian pizzeria and café bar.
Ms Mackenzie yesterday confirmed she and Mr Bacon plan to open their two new outlets within a month.
They intend to relocate their cards and tools business – currently housed above the café – into the other buildings.
"We are going to put the cards, gift bags, picture framing and soft toys into Turner’s and the range of tools we stock into what was the Highland Law Practice," said Ms Mackenzie.
She said the expansion of the business may lead to additional staff being required.
At present, six full and part-time staff are employed there, including Morag and Andy.
"We’re looking forward to it and we’d like to try and bring retail back to the town centre," stated Ms Mackenzie.
The couple have not decided what to call the new premises and have no plans yet what to do with the upstairs part of their café.
Morags has been running for almost six years and the couple still run Whatsits in High Street, Thurso. It employs two staff – one full and one part-time.
Pamela DeVita, a partner in the DeVita’s pizzeria in High Street, Wick, yesterday confirmed the family has taken over the former fish shop in the town centre.
She did not wish to divulge the nature of the business, at present, but said: "We hope to open in about a month’s time.
"We are looking forward to this new venture which will not be the same as what we currently do. It will be something different."
Ruth Black, who chairs the Royal Burgh of Wick Community Council, was delighted to learn the former business premises have been taken over.
"This is good news for the town and I hope it all goes well for those concerned," she said yesterday.
"It is better to see these premises being used rather than lying empty. This may also help attract people to the other shops in the town centre."
