More than a dozen local organisations came together in Wick this morning to share exciting project updates and explore how working together can help build a brighter future for the town and its community.
What’s happening in Wick, and how can we collaborate to maximise our impact? These were the key questions explored at a Focus North workshop chaired by Council Leader Raymond Bremner, which brought together stakeholders from local government, economic development, and community and arts organisations.
The discussion was overwhelmingly positive, highlighting ambitious development projects already underway and a strong shared commitment to collaboration. The next step will be a follow-up meeting to agree a clear action plan and turn momentum into meaningful progress.
Wick town centre works gather pace
Opening the workshop, Cllr Bremner reflected on the long journey to securing regeneration funding for Wick town centre. First conceived in 2017, the project is now finally on site.
He highlighted a series of major investments already delivered in recent years, including the redevelopment of the Riverside Car Park, refurbished public toilets, resurfacing of the main route through town, and significant upgrades to local play parks. Now, the Sustrans-funded town centre project adds a further £4 million of investment, creating a vastly improved civic space and a more welcoming town centre for residents and visitors alike.
Crucially, the discussion recognised that the town centre does not exist in isolation. Its success depends on a wider ecosystem of economic, community and cultural activity across Wick – and many of those partners were present to share updates.
HIE shares £4m Wick Business Park expansion
Highlands and Islands Enterprise provided an update on the major expansion of Wick Business Park, which now includes a range of new, high-quality units.
Affordable accommodation is already available, with smaller units suitable for office, storage and light industrial use, alongside larger industrial units designed to support growing businesses. Looking ahead to Phase 2, HIE is exploring development options for land to the rear of the site, close to Wick John O’Groats Airport, which could support storage, warehousing and industrial laydown. Work is ongoing with local partners to assess demand and future opportunities.
Wick Airport confirms it is “match fit”
A representative from Highlands and Islands Airports Limited outlined how sustained investment has left Wick John O’Groats Airport well positioned for growth, with the infrastructure, facilities and skilled staff needed to expand operations.
The reinstatement of Public Service Obligation flights to Aberdeen was highlighted as a major boost for the local economy and the airport’s long-term sustainability. Partners at local, regional and national level are working together to build a strong business case for continuing these services, while also exploring commercial opportunities to broaden destinations and increase revenue.
Wick was also identified as an ideal location to trial next-generation aviation technologies, including electric and hydrogen-powered small aircraft, which are expected to play a key role in the future of regional air travel.
Wick Harbour looks beyond recovery to opportunity
Wick Harbour Authority highlighted its ambition for the port to continue playing a dynamic role at the heart of Wick’s economic and cultural life, adapting to new industries and opportunities.
While fishing and the leisure marina remain core activities, onshore and offshore wind were identified as major growth opportunities. The Harbour suffered significant damage during Storm Babet, but timely intervention by funders secured the future of the Trust Port. With a new development manager now in post, the Harbour Board is set to consider proposals for a masterplan that will unlock new opportunities and reposition the Harbour at the heart of Wick’s future economy.
Discussions also highlighted the complementary roles of the Harbour and Airport, particularly around renewables maintenance, as well as the potential of nearby land for laydown space and engineering facilities.
Local charities breathe new life into the town centre
One of the most striking themes of the morning was the scale of ambition emerging from the third sector. Wick Development Trust shared how its redeveloped River Campsite welcomed more than 21,000 visitors last year. While feedback was overwhelmingly positive, some visitors noted the tired appearance of the town centre.
With the campsite now generating income, the Trust is exploring how profits could be reinvested locally. Early-stage ideas include a youth facility at the former St Fergus Church, mixed office and housing at the former Domino’s site, and a Victorian Market concept for the former Old Factory Shop. While still at discussion stage, these proposals could help bring some of Wick’s most neglected buildings back into use.
WDT is working closely with partners including Royal Burgh of Wick Community Council, Lyth Arts Centre and Caithness Food Bank on wider plans for town centre facilities, including considering options for the future of the Carnegie Library.
Hub North Scotland also shared findings from its Place-Based Demonstrator project, which assessed buildings across Wick. The research will provide valuable evidence for future projects, and Hub North committed to continued engagement with local groups.
A creative vision for the next decade
Lyth Arts Centre outlined an ambitious 10-year vision building on its post-Covid outreach work. At the heart of this is a “multi-site” approach, combining artistic excellence with youth-led regeneration.
Plans include exploring gallery space at the Carnegie Library and the imminent opening of a Creative Futures Hub in the town centre. The Hub will offer creative opportunities for young people, alongside studio hire, workshops and social enterprise activity. This follows a series of highly successful pop-up youth events in Wick, where local teenagers were clear about their desire for positive, youth-owned spaces in the town.
Now is the time for action
The workshop concluded with a focused brainstorming session, capturing shared challenges, opportunities and the potential collective impact of projects underway. These ideas will shape a follow-up event, where partners will agree a clear, deliverable action plan.
Momentum is building — and the message from the room was clear: collaboration will be key to turning ambition into lasting change. Watch this space.