Regeneration of Muir of Ord village square to begin next week

The regeneration of Muir of Ord village will begin in earnest at the end of the month as the square undergoes a transformative makeover.

A phased approach to the works will begin on 31 May 2021, which will require the closure of the car park with pedestrian and emergency access maintained throughout.

The contractors, Strath Civil Engineering, are committed to liaising with the school, local businesses and neighbouring properties on its phased approach, to ensure as smooth a transition as possible.

The face-lift will include the creation of a large public area, safely situated at the back of the car park. The public area will allow access from both sides of the village.

Removable bollards will also be installed to keep the area safe and there will be seating and flower containers to add a dash of colour. The additional area can also be used by clubs and groups to provide an opportunity to create safe space events in the village centre.

The Community Council survey revealed that people would like the area to be used for street markets, pipe band displays, Christmas carol concerts, gala events and school project use.

Part of the project will include the installation of a new CCTV camera system, to cover both the square and the Great North Road. The bus bay will be removed, creating an additional 81 square metres.

A smaller bus shelter will be installed which will feature a real time, digital bus timetable. New pavement and kerbing will also be laid, with minor alterations to the car park. Bus stop markings will also be added to the road.

An area of paving which has been lifted by tree roots and is causing drainage issues will be taken up, fixed and re-laid. The works will provide 166 square metres of space, compared to the previous 122 square metres. The raised bed in front of the library will also be removed and repurposed in two future village projects.

The large concrete base for the village’s Christmas tree will also be removed and replaced with a flush socket for this purpose.

Dingwall and Seaforth Councillors recognise that Muir of Ord Community Council have worked extremely hard to secure funding to take forward a long standing ambition of regenerating the Square. 

28 May 2021