New Year Design Festival to Help Transform High Street in Wick

18th December 2019

Sustrans Scotland, The Highland Council, Royal Burgh of Wick Community Council and Local Councillors are working on an ambitious project to re-design Wick High Street.

On the 15th and 16th of January 2020, the Wick Street Design team will be hosting a Design Festival. While more information will be available early next year, the event will allow Wickers to identify specific design ideas and interventions that could help tackle issues they feel may be blighting both High Street and Bridge Street.

The Wick Street Design Project is an ambitious, collaborative project that was launched in October 2019. It is working with locals to develop a design that represents the community's vision for Wick High Street. It aims to create:

* Warm, welcoming and more attractive public spaces;

* A comfortable and safe environment to walk, wheel and cycle;

* Better travel experiences through Wick town centre - particularly when accessing local facilities;

* A sense of identity for the town centre in Wick, drawing on local culture and heritage;

Local views are fundamental in helping the team to understand current barriers to moving and spending time in Wick's town centre and delivering a High Street that is more vibrant and welcoming for all.

Events and surveys through October 2019 provided suggestions from a range of Wickers on the changes they would like to see. This included changes to the pedestrian precinct, celebrating Wick's history, incorporating more artwork and greenery while prioritising accessibility along the High Street.

The team have also been observing public life to better understand movement through the High Street. The information gathered so far is helping the Street Design team to work and develop design ideas.

All residents are invited to share their ideas in early January and play a part in shaping the future of their high street. For those unable to make it, you can find out more about the project by popping over to the Pulteney Centre and Morag's Cafe or by visiting

https://wick.commonplace.is/news