widget/exchange-29
widget/exchange-30widget/exchange-33
widget/exchange-31

News / DITT win Scalloway health centre contract

Scalloway primary school is to be turned into a health centre for the village by next summer. Photo Shetnews

A £1.5 million contract to convert Scalloway primary school into a health centre and move the children to the village’s empty secondary school has been awarded to local firm DITT Construction Ltd.

Work will start over the next month on external works to improve traffic access and create playgrounds and refurbishing the secondary school to make it ready to take the primary pupils.

Once this first phase is completed and the children have moved premises, work will start on turning the primary school into a health centre by next summer.

The new health centre will have seven consulting rooms and all the required support facilities to keep medical records, house office staff and provide space for community nurses and health visitors.

The development has been made possible by a major cash injection from the Scottish government following a request for extra capital from NHS Shetland, who are funding the work.

offset-carousel/post-mobile/0

The NHS has been looking at ways of replacing its old and cramped health centre in Scalloway for many years, while the SIC has been examining alternatives for the secondary department it closed three years ago.

A previous plan to incorporate it into a major housing development at Utnabrake north of Scalloway fell when planning permission for the 21 house scheme was refused by the SIC in 2010.

NHS Shetland and SIC chief executives Ralph Roberts and Mark Boden heralded the agreement as a good example of the two organisations working together.

In a joint statement they said: “We have been working hard to produce a new health centre for the Scalloway community, and we are very pleased that the scheme is now progressing.

“At the same time, this will improve facilities for primary pupils in the area.”

The legal arrangement will leave the SIC owning the buildings, while NHS Shetland will carry out the detailed project management.

Part of the external works will assist Shetland Recreational Trust install a biomass boiler in the Scalloway swimming pool.

Become a supporter of Shetland News

Shetland News is asking its many readers to consider start paying for their dose of the latest local news delivered straight to their PC, tablet or mobile phone.

Journalism comes at a price and because that price is not being paid in today’s rapidly changing media world, most publishers - national and local - struggle financially despite very healthy audience figures.

Most online publishers have started charging for access to their websites, others have chosen a different route. Shetland News currently has  over 600 supporters  who are all making small voluntary financial contributions. All funds go towards covering our cost and improving the service further.

Your contribution will ensure Shetland News can: -

  • Bring you the headlines as they happen;
  • Stay editorially independent;
  • Give a voice to the community;
  • Grow site traffic further;
  • Research and publish more in-depth news, including more Shetland Lives features.

If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please become a supporter of Shetland News by either making a single payment or monthly subscription.

Support us from as little as £3 per month – it only takes a minute to sign up. Thank you.

 
Categories
widget/pd_widget-6widget/pd_widget-7widget/pd_widget-8widget/pd_widget-9

Newsletters

Subscribe to a selection of different newsletters from Shetland News, varying from breaking news delivered on the minute, to a weekly round-up of the opinion posts. All delivered straight to your inbox.

Daily Briefing Newsletter Weekly Highlights Newsletter Opinion Newsletter Life in Shetland Newsletter

JavaScript Required

We're sorry, but Shetland News isn't fully functional without JavaScript enabled.
Head over to the help page for instructions on how to enable JavaScript on your browser.

Your Privacy

We use cookies on our site to improve your experience.
By using our service, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy.

Browser is out-of-date

Shetland News isn't fully functional with this version of .
Head over to the help page for instructions on updating your browser for more security, improved speed and the best overall experience on this site.

Interested in Notifications?

Get notifications from Shetland News for important and breaking news.
You can unsubscribe at any time.

Become a supporter of Shetland News

We're committed to ensuring everyone has equitable access to impartial, open and quality local journalism that benefits all residents.

By supporting Shetland News, you play a vital role in ensuring we remain a pivotal resource in supporting the community.

Support us from as little as £3 per month – it only takes a minute to sign up. Thank you.