Start of £2.1m Wick High Street works just around the corner
Work is set to get under way later this month on a £2.1 million project that is expected to make the centre of Wick look “so much more appealing”.
The revamp of High Street will include new surfacing for the pedestrian zone, the final phase of the rising bollards to restrict motor vehicle access and other improvements to the area.
A public drop-in event will take place on Friday to explain in detail how the Wick Street Design scheme will operate on the ground, as well as to gather suggestions from the community about how to improve the running of the construction works.
Caithness firm GMR Henderson has been appointed as the contractor for the project with an expected start date on site of Monday, October 27.
Raymond Bremner, Highland Council leader and a Wick councillor, was instrumental in getting the Scottish Government funding for the project, alongside his former councillor colleague Nicola More (then Sinclair).
He welcomed the latest milestone in the project, and said: “This is a really important opportunity for the local community to come and ask questions about how the works will be undertaken.
“It’s a chance to raise and discuss any potential issues or concerns people may have about the works and any potential impacts they may have, so that any possible mitigations can be considered for putting in place to try and alleviate these concerns prior to works starting.
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“I encourage people to take up this opportunity to drop in and speak to the team.”
The works include improvements to the junction of Bridge Street and High Street to make it easier and safer for pedestrians to cross and reach the precinct from nearby car parks.
The High Street’s pedestrian zone will be resurfaced, and rising bollards which have been installed at both ends will control vehicle access and slow down authorised traffic.
The bollards are intended to help overcome the long-running problem of motorists using the pedestrian area illegally. They will link to a CCTV system.
Oncoming vehicles seeking access will have to use a control pillar to call a control room in Inverness. When the control room is closed, the bollards “will lower on approach”.
The project also includes installing new street furniture, signage, planting, and artwork inspired by the Market Cross and local culture.
The money for the Wick Street Design is part of a £26 million package being given to several active travel projects across the country.
All the works must be completed by the end of March 2026.
Councillor Bremner added: “This project represents a significant investment for the town to make the centre of Wick a more attractive place to do business in and spend time visiting.
“From the very start of this project the local community and members of the public have been closely involved, so I am sure everyone will be very pleased to see work on the ground starting.”