Transformation needed to keep Wick town centre as 'beating heart' of community
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A transformation is needed to ensure Wick town centre is the "beating heart" of the community, according to north business leader David Richardson.
He warned: "The very last thing it needs are empty, slowly decaying buildings and tumbleweed blowing through the streets."
Mr Richardson, Highlands and Islands development manager for the Federation of Small Businesses, was speaking in support of Wick businessman Sam Salim, who called last week for the system of business rates to be reformed.
Mr Salim claimed that cutting the rates bills for businesses in the most prominent locations would be "the best model for regeneration", emphasising that it is not just "a Wick problem" but a national issue.
Mr Salim, who runs SAMS (Sofas and More Sofas) Furniture Ltd in High Street, also outlined his concerns over the long-term future of the disused former Woolworths building next to his premises.
Mr Richardson said: "Mr Salim has to be congratulated for spelling out the significant problems faced by Wick town centre so beautifully.
"The bottom line is that while passing trade can no longer be relied on, and window shoppers are largely a thing of the past, this certainly doesn’t imply that Wick town centre should be written off – far from it.
"Rather than buying online or shopping in the retail park on the outskirts, the task now is to convince the public that the town centre really is worth visiting – and visiting regularly. And this means transformation.
"I attended a Wick regeneration summit organised by Councillor Raymond Bremner in August 2022, at which a wide range of issues and opportunities were discussed, and I think we all left feeling positive. But actions speak louder than words.
"To play its role as the community’s beating heart, Wick needs many attractive businesses providing a wide range of goods and services, and it needs places where people can meet, chat, enjoy arts events and so on. It must be both a commercial and a social hub, and for this to happen it must be clean, tidy, well maintained and vibrant, with lots of interesting places to visit and spend money in.
"What with so-so sales and dramatically increased costs – energy, raw materials, staff, interest rates and, for some, commercial rates – many businesses find their bottom lines cut to the bone today, and few have the money needed to invest in refurbishment and other enhancements. Equally, these factors must inevitably make people considering setting up on the high street think twice.
"So, what about business rates? The Scottish Government’s website mygov.scot lists the various reliefs available, and the most promising in this case appears to be Fresh Start. Businesses occupying properties that have lain empty for long periods may be entitled to 100 per cent business rates discounts for their first year of occupation in those premises. However, other reliefs are available and it’s always worth checking these out.
"But the Scottish Government needn’t be the only source of business rates reliefs. Highland Council also has significant power to help, if it so chooses.
"For example, it could offer 100 per cent relief to all retailers in Wick town centre – perhaps a cost worth bearing if it helps transform what is arguably one of the most run-down town centres in the Highlands. It can also relax change-of-use restrictions, making the economic diversification of the town centre even more attractive.
"What matters most is that we all recognise that it is entrepreneurs like Sam Salim – people prepared to commit time, effort and money to Wick town centre – who are best placed to transform the town’s prospects, and we should do all we can to encourage, support and empower them to make this happen."
