Lerwick fish market project suffers slight delay

PLANS to build a new £6.3 million fish market in Lerwick have been pushed back by around three months due to problems with the tendering process for its construction.

The work will be re-tendered following concerns from one applicant that it was unfairly assessed.

Work on the site next to the recently opened Mair’s Pier should now start in March next year and Lerwick Port Authority hopes it will be completed towards the end of 2019.

The problems with tendering related to European regulations for the advertising and awarding of high value projects like the fish market.

Funding already secured from the EU’s European and Maritime Fisheries Fund and the Scottish Government worth over £1.5 million won’t be affected by the delay.

“The decision to re-tender has been made following the conclusion of the previous procurement process which was challenged by one of the bidders,” the port authority said in a statement.

“The authority believes that re-inviting tenders is the most efficient and fairest way to procure the contract. The re-tender exercise means that on-site work is likely to be delayed from the fourth quarter of 2017 to March next year.

“However, some time may be regained, with work carried out over two summers and a winter, rather than two winters and a summer, and completion anticipated in the final quarter of 2019.

“Lerwick Port Authority will not provide further comment until the re-tendering process is completed and the contract awarded.”

The new market will provide an upgrade on the facilities at the existing premises near off Commercial Road.

It comes as Scalloway’s fish market is also set to be rebuilt and extended as part of a £5.6 million development.