Caithness company, John Gunn & Sons was appointed by Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) for the development, following a public tendering process.

Designed by Threesixty Architecture to meet modern building standards that reflect well on the environment, the units totalling 248m2 would suit a variety of uses from the industrial or commercial sectors.

South-facing photovoltaic panels will be installed, which will convert thermal energy into electricity. EV charging points are included as part of the design as are air-source heat pumps, which will contribute towards net zero.

The project forms part of a wider development by HIE to create flexible workspaces in rural locations around the Highlands and Islands.

Eann Sinclair, HIE’s area manager for Caithness and Sutherland, said: “We’re delighted to award this £2.7m contract to a local business, and it’s great to see the work by John Gunn & Sons progressing well on the site. There is considerable interest in new flexible commercial premises in Wick, either by local firms thinking about growth or companies from elsewhere looking to set up in the north.

“The new units we’re developing are designed with flexibility to meet the needs of different types of commercial activity and office space. The development is also designed to meet modern standards of insulation and energy performance, embracing our wider net zero aspirations. We hope to have the work completed around. I look forward to further progress over the coming months.”

Ian Gunn, managing director of John Gunn & Sons, said: “We are delighted to be working with HIE on this exciting project as the main contractor. We will be working with local subcontractors and suppliers to undertake the works. Works are progressing well, with the majority of the groundworks now complete and building erection due to start mid-May.

“We installed all the infrastructure within the existing industrial estate several years ago and it’s great to see further development to the site.”