Action Plan for Tain takes a step forward
The preparation of a regeneration plan for Tain town centre took a step forward today (Wednesday 19 November) with members of the Skye, Ross and Cromarty Area Committee approving a draft Tain Town Centre Action Plan which will now go out for consultation.
The draft Action Plan aims to link together ideas generated in collaboration with the community to increase foot-fall within the town centre area, aspirations for the use of the existing buildings and public spaces and ways to create a vibrant place to live and do business in.
Following feedback gathered during a two day community workshop help in the town earlier this year, the Tain Town Centre Action Plan focuses on 14 priorities and identifies issues relating to their delivery. The plan outlines a range of proposals that if delivered could increase activity in the High Street, These proposals include reinstatement of traditional shop frontages in the High Street, promotion of a regular street market, bringing empty upper floor properties back to residential use, improving town centre car parks and pedestrian linkages, with signage to and from the town centre and creating an attractive space that can be used as an outdoor venue for public events. Other proposals flagged up include the redevelopment of the Old Picture House as an arts hub supporting arts and crafts activities and to promote the re-use of Duthac House. The delivery of these proposals will be largely dependent on availability of funding. The document puts the town in a strong position to compete for any funding opportunities that do arise.
Local Councillor, Jamie Stone said: “People came along to the workshops and passed on their ideas for increasing visitor numbers and to make sure the centre of the town prospers economically. We are now at the stage of having a draft Action Plan that pulls together the ideas and vision so we want people and businesses within the community to get involved, pass on comments and suggestions and help to shape the future of Tain.”
Councillor Fiona Robertson added: “The document will be made available for public consultation in January and we want as many people as possible to make comment of the proposals it contains. This is a great opportunity for the town and the success of many of the proposals will be down to close collaboration with a wide range of stakeholders. Effective partnership-working will be vital as the draft Action Plan highlights potential sources of funding and support for many of the projects. Turning aspirations into reality will be hard work but I believe we need to protect and enhance Tain’s heritage for the benefit of both people who want to visit and the community for many years to come.”
The consultation period for the draft Tain Action Plan will commence early in the New Year. Similar Action plans for Nairn and Fort William are also underway.