All routes lead west

A major streetscape enhancement project will get underway in Fort William next week, bringing added vitality to the High Street.

The ‘Routes West’ project, which will undertake works to regenerate the West End of Fort William High Street and to substantially upgrade the Underpass at the East End of the town, should be complete by the mid-July, just ahead of the town’s busiest tourism period.

The streetscape contract will see two grassed tiers created at Gordon Square, with walls doubling as seating areas.  A formal ‘Finish’ or ‘Start’ line will be created for the new end of the West Highland Way; circulation space will be increased; new seating added and there will be much greater use of lighting to enhance the area.

A drop-off and pick-up point for taxis, minibuses etc will be created and disabled car parking will also be accommodated within the Square.  The existing taxi rank, bus stop and disabled car parking round the corner will be retained.

The pedestrian crossing will be relocated to outside the job centre and will become a zebra crossing rather than one controlled by traffic lights, easing the flow of traffic.

Further west a wider area of pavement with illuminated trees will be created, to complete the enhancement.

The West End ‘look’ will be completed with installation of carved pavement art indicating the route of the West Highland Way and a bronze man with a satisfied smile, but ‘sore feet’ will add interest and humour for the happy walkers and will become recognised in images world-wide.

All of these plans have been drafted in consultation with the Fort William Steering Group and also have the support of the Lochaber Partnership, Lochaber’s community planning partnership

The use of stainless steel at the west end provides a deliberate association with the works at the east end, providing a link between the end of the West Highland Way and the start of the Great Glen Way at the old Fort. 

The works at the Underpass will include cladding of the entire Underpass in stainless steel, with art work inserted on aluminium panels which reflect much of the area’s culture and environment.  These artwork panels have been the result of an intense period of consultation, facilitated by Room 13.  New lighting both inside and outside the underpass as well as a new colour wash for the external walls will complete the makeover.

Contractor Pat Munro (Alness) Ltd has been appointed to carry out the works.  There will be close liaison between the Council, contractor and affected businesses and residents to ensure that any disruption is minimised and named contacts will be publicised to ensure that any problems which may arise can be dealt with quickly.

Unfortunately, the Underpass will be closed for 4 weeks while the cladding works are carried out, but clear diversions will be put in place to ensure the road can be crossed safely.

A full timetable for the works will be issued shortly, along with named contact details. 

The funding for this project has been achieved from the Scottish Government’s Town Centre Regeneration Fund; The Highland Council; EU Highland LEADER 2007-2013 Programme; and Highlands and Islands Enterprise. 

Fort William Steering Group Chairman, Councillor Brian Murphy said: “I’m delighted to see these works commence as they will make a significant impact to both the east and west ends of the High Street, providing a much more welcoming environment for visitors and locals alike, and with a more relaxed end to the West Highland Way. As the country moves out of recession I think we will begin to see more interest in the High Street from potential developers, and this re-generation project will send out the message that Fort William is open for business.” 

Housing and Communities Minister Alex Neil said: “Nearly 90 towns benefited from the Scottish Government’s £60 million town centre regeneration fund. Fort William received over £315,000 and I’m delighted that work in the town will start very soon. These plans will clearly bring practical as well as cosmetic improvements to Fort William – all of which will make the town centre easier to access and use.Our aim is to turn around the fortunes of town centres across Scotland – help them reach their full potential and come through the economic downturn in the strongest possible position.” 

Tricia Jordan, Secretary of Fort William Community Council, said: “The Community Council welcomes this public sector investment in the much neglected west end of town and the improvement to the underpass helping to remodel the appearance of the approaches to the west and east ends of town.” 

Peter Hamling, Chairman of the Fort William Chamber of Commerce said: “The Chamber congratulates the Council on sourcing the funding for the much needed works to the Underpass and the West End.  We acknowledge the amount of work that went into the application for the funding and the subsequent design work and hope this will stimulate the regeneration of the West End of the town and provide a long term solution to the problem of the Underpass.” 

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