Press release from Highland Council
Following the initial ‘community conversation’ at the Nairn Games, the next community engagement session to discuss the process of creating a Development Plan for the Nairn Links area will be a drop in session at the Links Pavilion on Saturday 1st September. The planning group and Nairn members are keen to get the views of as many local stakeholders and users as possible.
The Links are in the ownership of the Nairn Common Good Fund, managed by the Council. They are an important feature of Nairn's attraction as a tourist destination. They are a ‘cherished’ green space with leisure facilities and home to Nairn Cricket Club, the Nairn Highland Games and other outdoor events.
Over 100 people attended the stand at the Games and many completed feedback forms. It was evident that there are a very wide range of views and aspirations.
Chair of the Nairnshire Committee, Cllr Tom Heggie said: “Our first community conversation at the Nairn Games went well, with many people stopping by to speak to us and to give us a wide range of views on the future for the Links. What is already coming across is how important the Links are to people of all ages and backgrounds.”
Local members and officers will be on hand at the drop in session at the Links Pavilion on Saturday 1st September to discuss the process of creating a Development Plan for the Nairn Links area and to gather ideas and options for use that can be used for future planning. A formal consultation phase will then follow on the proposals.
Through the consultation on the future of the paddling pool in 2017, it became clear that in addition to the need to determine the future of water play at the Links, revitalising the broader Links area was equally a key priority. There was an obvious need for a strategic development plan which will seek to:
• create a framework for individual projects on the Links by the Common Good Fund and third parties
• promote the integration of the Links with the town
• build on the special nature of the area
• add to the historic value of the Links to Nairn as a visitor destination
• fit within the Common Good Fund's financial parameters and the plans of potential partners
Following consultation in the autumn, a final plan will be prepared for consideration by the Nairnshire Committee by the end of the 2018/19 committee cycle in March 2019.
