£1.8m contract awarded

A further phase of development is getting under way at Wick Business Park in a move that will support economic growth and strengthen population retention in Caithness.

Park owner Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) has awarded a £1.8m contract to Morgan Sindall Construction and Infrastructure Ltd to build a further four new business units.

Each unit will comprise around 122m² of commercial floorspace, which is twice the size of the other four units completed last year under phase one of the development. Two of those units are in the process of being leased.

The new units will also have the flexibility to be combined to form larger premises if required.

Photovoltaic panels will be installed, along with EV charging points and air-source heat pumps, which will contribute towards net zero.

The new premises are likely to appeal to companies in the renewable energy supply chain, with Wick Harbour already the operations and maintenance base for the Beatrice Offshore Windfarm. They will also be suitable for local businesses looking to expand.

With a start date of mid-April and completion due towards the end of the year, the new units are expected to lead to the creation of 26 full time equivalent jobs over the next few years.

HIE is investing a total of £2.25m in the project as part of a wider initiative by the agency to provide more small business units in rural areas. Caithness and Sutherland is one of HIE’s inclusive growth focus areas and additional economic activity will help lead to population retention and growth.

Eann Sinclair HIE area manager for Caithness and Sutherland said:

“There’s a lot of interest in new flexible commercial premises in Wick, from local firms looking to grow or companies from elsewhere looking to establish or extend operations here.

“These new units are designed to meet the needs of different types of commercial activity and office space. The development is also designed to meet modern standards of insulation and energy performance, embracing our wider net zero aspirations.

“I’m delighted we’ve now awarded this contract and look forward to seeing the units progress over the coming months.”

Stuart Parker, managing director at Morgan Sindall Construction in Scotland, said:

 “We are excited by our appointment at Wick Business Park project - a flexible, sustainable commercial space designed to attract diverse businesses to the region. 

 “This project aligns with the growth in renewable energy across the Highlands. By incorporating photovoltaic panels, EV charging points, and air-source heat pumps, we're establishing an ecosystem where businesses can thrive while contributing to net zero goals.

 “When we break ground in April, we’ll also be laying the foundation for lasting socioeconomic benefits. That's the great additional value of projects like this - turning construction investments into opportunities for local people."