A fresh phase of development is about to take off at Wick Business Park, bringing a welcome boost to the local economy and supporting population retention in Caithness.
Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE), the park’s owner, has secured a £1.8 million contract with Morgan Sindall Construction and Infrastructure Ltd to construct four new business units.
Each unit will provide around 122 square metres of commercial space, double the size of the four units built in the first phase last year, two of which are currently in the leasing process.
These new units will offer flexibility, allowing businesses to combine spaces to create larger premises if required.
Sustainability is at the heart of the project, with photovoltaic panels, EV charging points, and air-source heat pumps included to help meet net zero targets.
The development is expected to attract firms in the renewable energy sector, with Wick Harbour already serving as the operations and maintenance hub for the Beatrice Offshore Windfarm, while also providing opportunities for local businesses looking to grow.
Construction is set to begin in mid-April, with completion expected by the end of the year, leading to the creation of around 26 full-time equivalent jobs in the coming years.
HIE is investing £2.25 million in the project as part of its broader strategy to increase the number of small business units in rural areas, with Caithness and Sutherland identified as a key area for inclusive growth.
Eann Sinclair, HIE’s area manager for Caithness and Sutherland, highlighted the strong demand for flexible commercial premises in Wick, both from local businesses and those looking to establish operations in the area.
He emphasised that the new units are designed to support a variety of commercial activities and office needs, meeting modern insulation and energy efficiency standards in line with net zero ambitions.
Sinclair expressed his delight at the contract being awarded and looked forward to the progress of the units in the coming months.
Stuart Parker, managing director at Morgan Sindall Construction in Scotland, shared his enthusiasm for the project, describing it as a flexible and sustainable commercial space designed to attract a range of businesses to the region.
He noted that the development aligns with the growing renewable energy sector in the Highlands, with key sustainability features ensuring businesses contribute to net zero goals while thriving in a supportive environment.
Parker added that breaking ground in April would not only mark the start of construction but also lay the foundation for long-term socioeconomic benefits, turning this investment into valuable opportunities for the local community.
