Could you help shape the future of Wick High Street?

30th September 2019

Wickers are being given the chance to help transform their High Street into a more vibrant, accessible and a welcoming place for everyone to spend time in, as part of the Town Centre Regeneration.

The Wick Street Design project is being delivered by Sustrans Scotland in partnership with The Highland Council, Royal Burgh of Wick Community Council and Local Councillors.

Local residents, business and community groups are invited to drop in to the Highland Council Offices between 2:00 and 6:00pm on Thursday 17th October 2019 to find out more about the project. There will also be refreshments as well as child-friendly activities.

There also will be an evening session between 7:00-9:00pm at the Pulteney Centre.

The Wick Street Design project aims to improve the pedestrianised zone of the High Street including Market Square and the two signalised pedestrian crossings on Bridge Street.

The community will primarily be involved in the design process for these areas however the section of Bridge Street between the junction and the bridge is also open for comments to understand the means by which the High Street is accessed by foot, wheelchair or by bike.

Kasia Koziel, Sustrans Scotland Project Lead, Sustrans Scotland said of the project: "This is the first in a series of engagement activities in the area."

"We want to provide as many opportunities as possible for people to be able to share their ideas on how we redesign the area to ensure that it meets the needs of those who use it the most."

"We look forward to hearing people's ideas on how we can help create a welcoming, more attractive space that will provide people of all ages and abilities a comfortable and safe area to walk, wheel and cycle through."

Councillor Nicola Sinclair - Wick Council's Project Champion - said: "The Street Design project is one part of a fully funded regeneration plan that local members will launch next month.

"I'm absolutely delighted to welcome the expert Sustrans Scotland team to Wick, where they will support our community in re-imagining the town centre, delivering a High Street that is more vibrant and welcoming for all.

“I know people will have lots of great ideas to suggest and hope to see a great response to the public event on the 17th and to the online and paper surveys."

The aim of the collaborative design process is 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;

What if I can't make it on the day?

From the 2nd to the 23rd of October 2019, an interactive project website will be open to allow people to submit their comments and ideas https://wick.commonplace.is/

The comments can also be submitted in writing between 5th and 23rd October at locations across Wick including:

· Morag's Cafe, 94-102 High Street

· Pulteney Centre, Huddart Street

· Co-op store, Angle Park, Thurso Road

· Tesco Superstore, North Road