Derelict Wick buildings to be demolished and sites returned to community

Two prominent derelict buildings in Wick High Street are to be demolished following decades lying empty thanks to assistance from Highland Housing Alliance (HHA).Numbers 30 and 126 (known locally as ‘Dominoes’ and ‘Sloans’ respectively) are to benefit from demolition and site clearance, before ownership is returned to the local community. The deal follows months of negotiations sparked by the town centre regeneration led by Ward 3 councillors. The Highland Council accessed grant funding from the Scottish Government’s Vacant and Derelict Land Fund and Town Centre Fund. This funding was provided to HHA to acquire both properties and land and manage the process. HHA will now demolish both buildings and ensure the safe removal of all debris and contamination. Both sites, previously owned by Argyle Properties (Dundee) Ltd, will then be transferred to the recently established Wick Development Trust (branded ‘Wick’s Heart’) for redevelopment. Missives have already been exchanged and demolition work is expected to start soon. It is hoped that both sites will be ready for redevelopment by late 2020/early 2021. In the months ahead, Wick Development Trust will take the opportunity to discuss ideas for the potential use of the sites with the local community.At a time when communities have pulled together more than ever before during the coronavirus pandemic, it is hoped that local people will have new and creative ideas for the sites that could benefit the people of Wick in the long term.