Rowntree Scottish Division Signs 30-Year Lease on The Old Church, Wick, Creating a New Community and Business Hub for Caithness

Rowntree CIC Scottish Division is delighted to announce the signing of a 30-year lease on The Church, Bridge Street, Wick, one of Caithness's most recognisable and historically significant buildings. Located in the heart of Wick town centre, The Church has been a prominent landmark for generations.

This long-term agreement marks the beginning of an ambitious redevelopment project that will transform the building into a sustainable business, community, and visitor destination while preserving its unique heritage for future generations, or affordable housing, we are also in early discussions with Wick Development Trust to see if there is a partnership opportunity or a sub-let of the lease, at the same peppercorn rent we have achieved from the Landlord, £1 a year, the Church is 6300sqf and Rowntree CIC only require 1000sqf for its Highlands Offices, leaving 5300 sqf for direct community beneficial use.

The project represents a significant investment in Wick and demonstrates our commitment to supporting economic growth, community development, grassroots sport, and tourism throughout Caithness and the wider Scottish Highlands.

Investing in the Future of Wick and Caithness

At Rowntree Scottish Division, we believe that historic buildings should continue to serve the communities around them. By securing a 30-year lease, we have created the foundation for a long-term investment that will bring new life, new opportunities, and new economic activity to one of Wick's most iconic buildings.

Our vision is to create a vibrant mixed-use hub that supports local businesses, attracts visitors, provides high-quality workspace, hosts events, and generates sustainable income that can be reinvested directly into community initiatives through Rowntree CIC Scotland.

The redevelopment will help strengthen Wick town centre while creating a destination that benefits residents, businesses, visitors, and community organisations across the region. Alternatively, a serious of apartments which will be affordable housing. Finally, a potential partnership or sub lease to Wick Development Trust.

A Building That Will Work Hard for the Community

The Church is not simply a redevelopment project—it is an opportunity to create a sustainable asset that supports the people of Caithness for decades to come.Our conversion plans have been designed around a simple principle: creating success that delivers community benefit.

The building could generate multiple income streams that will support both the ongoing operation of the site and the wider work of Rowntree CIC Scotland.

Potential for Event Venue and Hospitality Opportunities

The dramatic interior of the former church provides a remarkable setting for weddings, conferences, corporate events, exhibitions, performances, community gatherings, and private functions.

Retaining many of the building's original architectural features will create one of the most distinctive event venues in the North of Scotland, attracting visitors from across the Highlands and beyond.

Supporting the North Coast 500 Visitor Economy

As a key stop on the North Coast 500 route, Wick welcomes tens of thousands of visitors each year. The redevelopment of the Church presents an exciting opportunity to create new visitor experiences that complement the growing tourism economy in Caithness, or other exciting opportunities dependant on the final end use.

Supporting Grassroots Sport and Community Development

A key part of the redevelopment will be dedicated to the continued growth of Rowntree CIC Scotland's grassroots sport and community development programmes. An office

(1000sqf ) within the building will serve as the operational base for our expanding work across Caithness and the wider Highlands.

As part of Rowntree Equine Therapy CIC, Rowntree CIC Scotland is committed to supporting young people through sport, education, and community engagement.

Our programmes focus on helping young people access sporting opportunities, build confidence, develop teamwork skills, and improve physical and mental wellbeing.Working alongside local schools, sports clubs, community organisations, and volunteers, we aim to remove barriers to participation and ensure that children and young people can access the benefits that sport provides.

From supporting youth teams and providing equipment to helping improve facilities and creating new opportunities for participation, our mission is to strengthen grassroots sport throughout rural communities.

By creating a permanent headquarters within the Church, we will be better positioned to coordinate projects, develop partnerships, attract funding, and expand the positive impact we can make across the Highlands, and create local employment.

Supporting Economic Growth in Wick and Caithness

The redevelopment will deliver benefits far beyond the building itself. Bringing the Church back into active use will support local contractors, attract new businesses, create opportunities for entrepreneurs, encourage visitor spending, and contribute to the continued regeneration of Wick town centre.

As one of the most prominent buildings in Wick, we believe the Church has the potential to become a flagship example of how heritage-led regeneration can drive economic growth while maintaining strong community values.

This project is about creating opportunity, encouraging investment, and ensuring that a historic building continues to serve a meaningful purpose within modern-day Wick.

Respecting the Heritage of The Old Church

The Church is a Category B Listed building, and preserving its historic character remains central to our vision. The magnificent hammer beam roof, historic gallery, stained-glass windows, decorative columns, and choir area all contribute to the building's unique identity and architectural significance.

These features will be protected, restored where necessary, and celebrated throughout the redevelopment process. For us, heritage and commercial success are not competing priorities. The history and character of the Church are exactly what make it such an asset for Wick, and the Scottish Highlands.

Importantly, planning permission is already in place for commercial use, so it now needs a change of use application.

A Long-Term Commitment to the Community

A project of this scale requires a long-term perspective, which is why securing a 30-year lease is so important. This agreement provides the certainty needed to invest confidently in the future of the building, ensuring that redevelopment decisions are made with sustainability, community benefit, and long-term success in mind.

As the building grows and succeeds, the income generated will help support Rowntree CIC Scotland's ongoing work in youth sport, community development, and social impact initiatives throughout Caithness and the Highlands.

Looking Ahead

Signing the lease marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the Church, Wick. Over the coming months, we will be sharing more information about redevelopment plans, project timelines, commercial opportunities, and ways for individuals and organisations to become involved.

Whether you are a business looking for commercial space in Wick, an event organiser seeking a unique venue, a community organisation looking to collaborate, or simply someone passionate about seeing historic buildings brought back to life, we would love to hear from you. www.rowntreecic.org

Wick deserves ambitious investment. Caithness deserves opportunities for growth.

The Highlands deserve projects that combine heritage, innovation, and community impact.

Through this redevelopment, we aim to create a destination that supports business, strengthens communities, celebrates local heritage, and helps build a brighter future for generations to come.

This is just the beginning of what Rowntree CIC can and will achieve.