News / Edinburgh architects to develop Knab site masterplan
EDINBURGH architects 7N have been appointed to develop a “masterplan” for transforming the soon-to-be-empty Anderson High School premises at the Knab in Lerwick.
Last year Shetland Islands Council ran a public consultation on what should happen to the school once it moves to new premises near to Clickimin in September.
7N said the project would develop a “vision and redevelopment strategy for the site to create a vibrant, thriving and sustainable mixed use community”.
The contract notice for the masterplan said the council wants the plans for the future of the site to be “developed, ready for implementation when it becomes vacant”.
A number of uses have been suggested for the site, from housing and education to a hotel and recreational space.
The area contains three listed buildings, the high school, Janet Courtney hostel and the Bruce hostel, while it in theory has space for up to 276 homes.
In a statement on Tuesday, the local authority said previous public consultation had indicated there was a desire for a “well-designed, mixed use and residentially compatible development in future”.
SIC development committee chairman Alastair Cooper said: “This is a positive step forward for the Knab campus that will help us create the vision for the site and to see it developed as soon as practicable.
“7N Architects have considerable experience and an established pedigree working on other campus projects across Scotland and their expertise will be invaluable.”
Members of the 7N team already have experience of working on Shetland projects, including the £5.4 million Sumburgh Head lighthouse renovation and the ongoing refurbishment of Lerwick Town Hall.
7N said its team, which includes David Narro Associates, David Adamson and Partners and Groves-Raines Architects, is “looking forward to working with Shetland Island Council and the local community on this inspiring site to develop a vision worthy of this unique place.”
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