At the time of reaching financial close, Beatrice Offshore Windfarm Limited (BOWL) announced a multi-million pound investment in Wick harbour. Its proximity to Beatrice’s 84 offshore wind turbines and the availability of suitable quayside facilities mean that the harbour is the perfect place for the projects Operations and Maintenance base.
The base will be required for the 25 year lifespan of the project and, subject to receiving planning permission, looks set to be housed in two iconic buildings on Wick’s Harbour Quay.
Forming part of renowned Scottish engineer Thomas Telford’s vision for Pulteneytown in 1807, these two partial blocks of Lower Pulteneytown were originally developed for the British Fisheries society. However, with the decline of the fishing industry, the occupation and use of these buildings dwindled with non-fishing use predominant to the present day.
BOWL’s proposal to redevelop these historic buildings is in keeping with their past as they were conceived, planned and built as an industrial marine development.
Members of the local community were invited to Mackays Hotel this week to find out more about BOWL’s proposed plans and have the opportunity to chat through the proposals with members of the project team.
Noel Cummins, SSE’s Project Liaison Manager, said: “These Thomas Telford buildings are a symbol of Wick’s industrial and marine past so we are really pleased to propose utilising them and in doing so help continue that legacy. The event was very well attended and it was great to hear such support for our proposals from local residents. I’d like to thank everyone for coming along to see us and for being so positive about our plans.”