Nairn groups band together to help regeneration of town after coronavirus lockdown
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Community groups in Nairn are joining forces to regenerate the town in the wake of the coronavirus crisis.
And Nairn Business Improvement District (BID), Nairn Improvement Community Enterprise (NICE) and the town’s two community councils already have a plan in place.
BID board member and group convener Bob Ferenth said: “The effects of the downturn are already evident, but the community wants to move quickly to plan for and build a more resilient local economy for Nairnshire.
“Some local businesses are not yet confident of reopening. Guest bookings are uncertain. Almost all the major annual events that bring visitors have been cancelled.
“What our collective approach has done is identify key areas such as encouraging visitors, regenerating the town centre, enhancing the amenities at the Links, and improving access and travel routes into and around the town to name but a few, that will help Nairn recover from what has been catastrophic for the local economy.”
Led by NICE, the group has submitted an application to the Scottish Government, with the support of Highland Council, for funding to restore and repurpose a historic building as a visitor centre and business hub, which is intended to encourage greater footfall into the High Street.
Sheena Baker, chairwoman of Nairn West and Suburban CC said: “We are already making waves and in this time of adversity, it is more important than ever the people of Nairn pull together.”
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