News / SIC completes move to temporary offices
SHETLAND Islands Council have now successfully relocated all its services formerly based at the North Ness HQ (locally known as the White House) to temporary offices throughout Lerwick.
The move has become necessary after concerns about the building’s structural integrity forced owners Shetland Leasing and Property (SLAP) to require the council to vacate the four year old building on Tuesday.
Meanwhile a detailed survey of the £7.3 million building is getting under way to determine the extent of the problem and draw up possible solutions to fix it.
No one has so far given any details as to what exactly is wrong with the office block although council chief executive Mark Boden said that “temporary propping” was to be put in place while a permanent solution was found.
An initial survey carried out by SLAP declared the building as potentially unsafe on Monday, which led to 200 staff swiftly moving out of the building the following day.
The property developer, owned by Shetland Charitable Trust, is expected to comment once the result of the detailed survey is available.
Meanwhile, a SIC spokesperson said that most phone and IT connections for staff in temporary accommodation were now operational.
“Shetland Islands Council would like to thank customers for their patience over the past few days,” he said.
The following services have relocated as below:
- Chief Executive – Lystina House/Town Hall
- Housing Benefits/Rents/Council Tax (cashiers’ desk) – 6 North Ness (Housing reception)
- Planning/Building Standards – Train Shetland, Gremista
- Capital Programme/Asset & Properties/Procurement – Old Library Building
- Human Resources – Independent Living Centre (OT Centre), Gremista
- Finance/Governance & Law/Committee Services/Audit, Risk & Improvement – Montfield
More info of the council move is available at www.shetland.gov.uk/NNessRepairs.asp
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