Work on college extension to start soon

SHETLAND College is to press ahead with its £4.6 million extension to accommodate the huge increase in students and provide a welcome boost to the islands’ building industry.

College director David Gray described the phase three development at the Gremista site, in Lerwick, as “absolutely essential” given the current economic conditions in the isles.

Shetland Islands Council approved the development 18 months ago, but work was delayed until savings could be found in the way the college is run.

On Wednesday Professor Gray confirmed that a contract had been signed and he hoped work would start early in the new year and be completed within 18 months, allowing a spring 2013 opening.

The SIC is providing £2 million towards the cost of the new building, with a further £1.8 million from the European Regional Development Fund. The college itself is stumping up £300,000 with a further £500,000 coming from the Scottish Funding Council.

Student numbers grew by 1,000 during the last financial year, continuing a steady trend since 2006.

However to accommodate such numbers, the college has had to rely on help from NAFC Marine Centre, Train Shetland, the Anderson High School and the Islesburgh Community Centre.

Professor Gray said the college would help retain people in the islands, and to obtain skills in growth industries such as renewable energy, oilfield decommissioning, construction, creative industries and tourism.

College chairman Allan Wishart congratulated the director for finding ways to cut running costs and said that the extension had to go ahead immediately in order not to lose the European funding.