• Take part in the consultation here

The Highland Council has launched a Common Good consultation giving the Wick community until 21 March 2022 to respond to a proposal to lease Bignold House located on Common Good land in the town to Wick Academy Football Club.

Bignold House is currently vacant, and Wick Academy Football Club have approached the Council regarding a lease of the property. Such a proposal is considered to be beneficial to the community as it would generate a regular income for the recently re-established Wick Common Good Fund and also allow the property to continue in use both for the football club and for wider community groups.

The Council is keen to hear the community’s views on the proposal and all submissions will be given full regard before a decision on whether, and how, to proceed is made.

The Chair of the Caithness Committee and local Ward member Cllr Raymond Bremner said: “Now that Council has identified this building as a Common Good asset, the local community has the ability to make their views known on how we can keep it in good condition, make it sustainable and also have it contribute towards the Common Good fund for the benefit of the local community. I hope as many people as possible take up this opportunity to have their say on the proposal for Wick Academy Football Club to take on the lease of this property.”

The full consultation document is available at: https://www.highland.gov.uk/downloads/download/2078/bignold_house_wick_common_good_consultation

In terms of the process, please refer to the guidance available at: https://www.highland.gov.uk/downloads/file/20138/process_for_disposal_or_change_of_use_of_property

Written responses must be submitted either by email to common.good@highland.gov.uk or by post to Sara Murdoch, The Highland Council HQ, Glenurquhart Road, Inverness, IV3 5NX. All responses must be received by 5pm on 21 March 2022.

Consultation representations, responses and any final decision will be published on the Council’s website – www.highland.gov.uk