Shetland Arts plan move to Mareel

SHETLAND Arts is to move from its current offices at the Toll Clock Shopping Centre into the new Mareel music and cinema venue once additional work to create new office space has been completed.

The arts agency received planning permission on Tuesday to convert 112 square metres of void space into offices, a meeting room and teaching facility.

The work will only be carried out once the ongoing construction work at the £12.1 million music venue is completed, which is scheduled for 30 April.

Shetland Arts director Gwilym Gibbons said the space had been set aside for offices, but at the time when the original planning permission was granted the agency had no funds to do the work.

Mr Gibbons said that Creative Scotland had now agreed to fully fund the conversion.

“The sum will not be disclosed pre costs being agreed with a building contractor due to carry out the works.

“The building contract will be awarded following receiving quotes and the work will be undertaken post completion of the rest of the building by DITT Construction Ltd,” he said.

The space would be shared by Shetland Arts staff and an external tenant. The meeting/teaching room would double up as a dedicated production office for incoming promoters, TV and film crews, Mr Gibbons added.