Riverside development is key to Wick's future
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WICK has never made the best use of its riverside in the past but the key to a successful future could be along its banks.
That was the view of the organisers of a five-day event which encouraged residents to help design what their town will look like in years to come.
The Wick charrette drew to a close on Tuesday evening after discussing how to regenerate the town centre, invest in the harbour and boost the number of tourists who visit the royal burgh.
Architects and Highland Council officials spent last week holding a series of workshops to devise an action plan of what could be done to make the town more vibrant and welcoming.
With ideas suggested for various areas of the town, it was felt the riverside was the one area which Wick could benefit from development.
John Thompson and Partners architect Ross Peedle said other towns in Scotland have made good use of its riverside locations and that Wick could also benefit if investment could be found.
“There seems to be an opportunity to build on what already exists in Wick and to create a river walkway which connects the east and the west of the town,” he said.
“We’ve looked at riverside walks in other areas of Scotland and what we’ve found is that people like walking beside the water and relaxing there as they feel it enriches their lives.
“We feel there is a lot of potential to liven up this area to increase development and to create a more positive image for the town.”
As well as creating an extended walkway, the masterplan has also identified the potential for residential and commercial development along Victoria Place and The Shore.
Other areas which have been earmarked for future development include Harbour Quay and Pulteneytown with ideas including pedestrianisation, mixed use of arts, crafts and leisure redevelopments and new offices to cater for the renewable industry.
Highland Council development plans manager Scott Dalgarno was delighted with the response during the charrette process but believes it is vital they continue to work together to maintain the momentum.
“Other communities in Scotland do not have the opportunity to attend events such as this and we are delighted that so many people took part,” he said.
“What we are asking is that people help us develop the ideas that have been worked up and we want people to continue being part of this process.”
Caithness civic head Gail Ross said the participation of Wick people has given the team a feel for what the county is proud of and what needs to be improved.
“The participation of residents in the charrette process has been invaluable – there is nothing better than getting the views of people who actually live and work here,” she said.
“The process has made me realise what a great place we live in and it makes me feel that sometimes we take for granted what a nice place this is.
“There is a lot of investment coming into the county such as new council offices, three primary schools, a children’s home and a nuclear national archive.
“With exciting developments in the harbour and the airport, we are trying our best to make regeneration work in Caithness.
“But it is not just up to the local authority to make things happen.
“It is about civic pride and the public taking responsibility in ownership and the charrette has gone a long way to show that does exist in Wick.”
Wick development sites
Harbour Quay
* Quayside festival and market space.
* Existing salt cellars redeveloped as retail kiosks.
* Office development for renewable companies.
Lower Pulteneytown
* Eastern pedestrianation of Lower Pulteneytown.
* Mixed use arts, crafts and leisure redevelopment.
* Redevelopment of Wick Visual Arts Centre.
* Mixed use river view development.
* New Pulteneytown arrival Square formed.
Upper Pulteneytown
* Carnegie Arts Centre with Johnston collection.
* Residential development along Union Street.
* Old bakery refurbished for residential use.
The Shore
* Tollhouse restaurant/cafe/bar with south-facing terrace based at Camps car park.
* Retail leisure infill development at Camps car park.
* Hotel tourist accommodation in historic conversion.
Riverside
* Redevelopment of old Wick Police Station.
* Riverside walkway link below Bridge Street.
* Residential and work space development.
* Retail leisure infill development overlooking river.
* Mixed use studio and workshop development.
St Fergus Road Car Park
* Retail redevelopment with houses and offices above.
* Tourist Information point.
