£1.5 Million Project Regenerating Wick's Pulteneytown

21st May 2009

Funding to transform a derelict site in Pulteneytown, Wick, into high quality houses has been awarded this week by The Highland Council's Planning, Environmental and Development Committee.

Members have approved £297,836 of funding from the Pulteneytown Conservation Area Regeneration Scheme to the Highland Housing Alliance towards a £1,512,836 redevelopment project, which will transform a derelict site into 11 residential properties and bring new life into Pulteneytown's historic streets. The remaining funding is to be met from funds that the Council has secured from the Scottish Government's Vacant and Derelict Land Fund as well as income from the sale of the 11 properties.

Historic Scotland's Conservation Area Regeneration Schemes (CARS) allows local authorities to provide grants that breathe new life into rundown areas through the restoration of important buildings and supporting projects that enhance the understanding of an area's heritage.

Councillor Ian Ross, Chairman of The Highland Council's Planning, Environment and Development Committee said: "This is a welcome first major project in Wick to utilise the Historic Scotland CARS Programme funding and will bring back into use a derelict and vacant former Lot as set out by Thomas Telford in the early 19th century. By restoring an important historical area of Wick we are not only maintaining its distinct identity and making improvements for the people who live, shop and work there but the redevelopment will also provide a welcome boost to the local construction industry and support new tourism opportunities, linked with Wick Harbour."

Local Councillor Bill Fernie added: "This is great news for Wick as it will help keep the momentum up of the redevelopment of the Pulteneytown area. I am particularly pleased that it will give a boost to the construction industry locally."