Wick demolition reveals 'bigger than expected' space
WITH demolition of the former cinema and nightclub on Wick's High Street nearing completion, a "bigger than expected" area has been revealed – including a cliff face at the rear.
Local councillors spoke of their sadness at losing the "iconic building" but looked forward to a new chapter for the town as they investigated ideas of how best to utilise the space.
Wick and East Caithness councillor Raymond Bremner visited the site on Saturday and said the space was much bigger than he expected.
“When I viewed the space opening up and saw what looked to be a cliff face at the back of where the former building stood, it struck me how long it will have been since that rock face saw the light," he said.
"It’s a real shame that such an iconic building has had to be removed because of the eyesore it had become but I can’t help but think what potential there may be in developing the space.
"I’m sure the area will have to have some protection against potential anti-social abuse in the meantime but you can clearly see this space will provide lots of potential opportunities for the community.”
The demolition follows months of negotiations as part of a town centre regeneration effort led by Highland councillors for Wick and East Caithness. They are calling it a major step forward for the town centre and "a bright light in these dark times”.
Councillor Nicola Sinclair said: "It’s amazing to see this building finally come down – sad too, but hopefully the start of a new chapter. Many people have said to me that they didn’t expect to see this happen in their lifetime.
She added: "Demolition is expected to be complete by the end of this month before work gets under way at the former Sloans building [at the other end of High Street] around October.
"I want to reassure the public that the planned works include secure fencing all round both sites and they will look tidy and presentable until a firm plan is put in place for their development. We’re very grateful to the public and local groups for their support and encouragement."
Councillor Andrew Sinclair said the townsfolk must be delighted to see this "total scar on the High Street" removed after decades.
"The area already looks so much better," he said. "It feels like a complete blank canvas, and it's great to hear how engaged the public feel. There are some great ideas coming forward from members of the public about how the area might be redeveloped. It'll be really exciting to see what happens next with the site."
When asked by the John O'Groat Journal for suggestions, various local people came forward with ideas as diverse as a car park and a performance space for musicians.
Keith Matheson, a singer/songwriter who lives in Edinburgh but is originally from Wick, thought a "community outdoor space" for bands and theatrical performances would work well.
"If you’re clever with terraced seating/steps and perimeter planting it would double as a small civic space for lunch/picnic/meeting," he said.
Jenny MacKay thought a "community space for markets and performing would be great", adding: "The space in the Market Square isn’t ideal for the market stalls."
Other suggestions include a pop-up cinema, an amphitheatre, an indoor football pitch, a bowling alley, a skating rink and a play area.
Kevin Whiteford said: "Why not have a number of outdoor barbecues, seating, sandpit for children and surround the walls with photos of the town, past and present? Essentially make it a congregational point where people can meet and socialise.
"You could even have a small shed or sheltered area for days it's raining."
Iain McLellan thought that a completely "open plan Caithness arts and crafts centre" would work including space for paintings, jewellery, pottery, wood and metal crafts, slate craft and glass.
He added: "History booth and photos of old and new of towns, villages, harbours etc. Booths use to rotate subjects so never the same two weeks at a time. A cafe bar with tables and chairs to be run by different patrons every other week/month to give diversity of fare."