Next phase of improvements at Wick campsite to start in November
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The next phase of improvements at Wick's revamped caravan site will get under way as soon as the current season comes to an end this autumn.
A new facilities block, including modern toilets, showers and laundry, will replace the existing building which is said to be "falling apart".
If funding can be secured, the aim is to start work on November 1 – the day after Wick River Campsite closes for 2023.
Wick Development Trust is operating Wick River Campsite as a community enterprise and profits will ultimately go towards local regeneration efforts after a three-year upgrading plan.
Trust chairman Jonathan Miller gave an update on the project at the July meeting of the Royal Burgh of Wick Community Council.
"The campsite is still taking up a lot of our time," he said. "We seem to be getting some decent feedback, which is always nice.
"Numbers are quite good as well. Last year we only opened at the end of June so we weren't sure how the start of the year would go, but April was better than expected and on the May bank holiday weekend we had 72 vans on site one night, which I think is the most that site has seen for a lot of years.
"In April it was averaging the mid-20s and May the low 30s, but overall it is much busier than expected so hopefully that continues in the rest of the year."
Mr Miller went on: "We're now looking at the phase two upgrade for the campsite. If everything goes to plan, we're hoping to start breaking ground on November 1, which is our first day closed.
"We do have a planning application in to replace the current facilities block at the site. It's a couple of old portable buildings, basically, that have been there for donkey's years, and they're falling apart, they're on their last legs.
"We did tidy them up over the winter to get them through this year, and a lot of people have commented on that, so that was worthwhile. But they're not going to last forever, so we're hopeful, if we can get the funding in place, that we can start this on November 1 and have it ready for the start of next season.
"It's going to be a bit touch and go timescale-wise, to be honest, but we're looking at three or four pots of funding as well as putting in this year's profits from the site. As of now it's full steam ahead as much as possible."
Wick Development Trust will have a stand at the County Show in the town next weekend.
Mr Miller told community councillors: "We are doing a bit of community engagement at the County Show this year. We'll have a bit of a presence there and we'll try to encourage a few more volunteers to join as well."
In May, Mr Miller said Wick River Campsite is on course to be "highly profitable for the town".
Highland Council paid for an upgrade of the main electrical supply into the site ahead of the current season, while hook-up capacity was trebled by installing new bollards and replacing others.
The existing toilets were improved, two new access tracks were created, drainage improvements were carried out and a dozen electric hardstanding areas were installed.
There are new timber gates and fencing, as well as children's play equipment and a barbecue area with picnic tables.
The site is owned by Highland Council and leased to the development trust. Three staff do the day-to-day running, one full-time and two part-time.
Support has been provided by Alistair Jack, development trust support officer at Caithness Voluntary Group.
Comments on the campsite and holiday park booking website pitchup.com have included:
- "The staff were warm, friendly and informative and were flexible in meeting our request for a late checkout. Lovely site at the side of the river and well maintained with plans for further improvement."
- "The toilet/shower block is outdated and small but there are plans to improve."
- "A wonderfully warm welcome to a beautifully well kept and spotlessly clean campsite."
- "It felt like a new site, with great sized pitches, decent facilities and a lovely feel to the place."
- "Whilst the toilet and shower block is obviously a little old, I understand that it’s shortly have some modernisation. It was still fully functioning and immaculately clean."
