Work to start on Nairn Streetscape
The second phase of a £1.3 million package of town centre improvements will start in Nairn High Street this month.
The Highland Council has appointed Leiths (Scotland) Ltd as contractor to implement streetscape works, which will start on site on April 26th 2010 and should be completed in October. The first phase of work was carried out in 2009 in the Brae. The second phase will include the full length of the High Street from its junction with Gordon Street to its exit at Leopold Street. WA Fairhurst & Partners (Inverness) have been appointed by the Council as consulting engineers for the work.
An allocation of £486,000 within The Highland Council Planning and Development Service Capital Programme has enabled additional funding of £800k to be secured through the Scottish Government Town Centre Regeneration Fund.
The final streetscape plans and further information, including contact details, are on display in the Library, Court House and Community Centre. Comments boxes have also been provided at these locations.
During the streetscape works, temporary traffic measures will be in place. In advance of commencement, representatives of both Leiths and The Highland Council will liaise with those premises directly affected to ensure adequate vehicular access for residents and for deliveries. Pedestrian and all-abilities access will be maintained to all shops, during trading hours, for the duration of the project. Access for emergency vehicles will be maintained at all times.
Working hours will generally be from 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, although there may be some evening working up until 8pm to complete pavement work adjoining the shop fronts. Saturday working 8am to 1pm will be at the discretion of contractor.
Contact information will be made widely available to ensure that all High Street users are able raise matters with the right people, so that issues arising can be resolved quickly and effectively.
Community Representatives have been nominated by Nairn River Community Council, Nairn Business Association and Nairn Access Panel and will meet with the Highland Council on a regular basis in order to deal with any issues that may arise during the works.
Convener Sandy Park is delighted that Nairn is to benefit from a second and even more significant investment in the town centre.
He said: “This is really good news for Nairn and a confidence booster for shopkeepers and local residents. While there will be a disruption to the High Street during the summer months, the longer term benefits far outweigh the short-term inconvenience.
“The increased pedestrian priority afforded by the environmental improvements in the streetscape project will enhance the experience of the shopper and I have no doubt that businesses will benefit from increased trade. Hopefully the investment in our town centre will attract more shoppers and new businesses to our seaside resort.”