SIC keen to demolish old Eric Gray centre

THE FORMER Eric Gray Resource Centre in Lerwick could is in line to be demolished at a cost of £200,000.

A business justification case on the potential demolition went up before members of Shetland Islands Council’s policy and resources committee on Monday.

The case could be approved at a meeting of the full council on Wednesday.

The old Eric Gray building at Seafield has been largely empty since the new building opened across the road earlier this year.

However, it is currently accommodating early years children from Sound until building work at the primary school is completed, with October slated as the return date.

Councillors were told that no demolition works would begin until the site is fully vacated and no longer required for this purpose.

The building is earmarked for demolition because the council has not identified any long-term service need.

The value of the site when cleared is estimated at £360,000.

The old Eric Gray centre was built in 1978 and the service provides specialist supported vocational activities for adults with learning disability, autistic spectrum disorder and complex needs.

It was replaced earlier this year after being deemed no longer fit for purpose.