People in the Wick area of Caithness are being invited to share their views on proposals to expand Wick Business Park.
Following the successful development of phase one, Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) is planning a second phase of development on land next to the existing business park. The development masterplan could bring up to 12,500 square metres of new space for business, industry, storage, and trade counter premises.
Before any planning application is lodged, HIE wants to give people the opportunity to comment on the proposals.
The agency is holding two public drop-in consultation events at Caithness House in Wick where people will be able to view the plans, ask questions and provide feedback.
Information will also be available online via the HIE website from each event date.
Eann Sinclair, area manager for Caithness and Sutherland at HIE, said:
“Caithness is one of our focus areas for targeted investment. Wick Business Park presents an excellent opportunity to support the growth of local businesses while keeping them local, and to attract new companies into the area. This will support wider efforts around jobs, population and community resilience.
“The Park has proved to be an appealing location for businesses of all kinds, with demand outstretching availability of premises. With phase one mostly built out, we’re keen to progress with phase two – and we want the community to help shape it. Whether you’re a local resident, business owner or just interested in the future of the town, we’d love to hear your views.”
To allow time to give full consideration to the comments on the proposals, HIE is asking for initial comments by 5pm on Monday 25 August. They can be submitted at the first event or by emailing: planning@turnberryuk.com. This will allow HIE to provide feedback at the second event where people will have the opportunity to make any further comments.
While the comments received will be considered ahead of any planning application, they will not constitute representations to the planning authority. There will be opportunity to make such representations directly to the planning authority once a planning application has been submitted.
Image credit: Highland Drones
