News / First turf cut for £4.6m college extension
WORK on the £4.6 million extension to the Shetland College UHI got under way on Thursday with a turf cutting ceremony, attended by staff, students, council representatives as well as contractor Hunter & Morrisons.
The extension to the Lerwick based college, expected to be completed during the winter of next year, will provide new classrooms, video conference suites, an internet café, a new library, art studios, an extended construction workshop and a new hospitality suite.
Chairman of the college’s board of management, Allan Wishart, said: “We see the college as a key economic driver for local communities and Shetland’s industries.
“This new extension will include state-of-the-art facilities which will build on our already strong reputation in sectors such as construction, hospitality and culinary arts and also the creative industries.”
The project is funded by Shetland Islands Council (£2,013,000), European Regional Development Fund (£1,809,000), Scottish Funding Council (£500,000) and Shetland College UHI (£300,000).
The contract will secure more than 30 jobs at local building and civil engineering contractor Hunter & Morrisons.
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