Community / Initial work on large Lerwick housing development could start in spring
THERE are hopes that workers could be on site of the proposed new large housing development at Staney Hill in Lerwick in April or May.
A tender has now been issued by Hjaltland Housing Association for preparatory work including site clearance, rock excavation and groundwork.
The 30-month contract, valued at £7.5 million excluding VAT, also includes landscaping, providing access roads, pavements, water and power to enable the construction of the new housing.
It will also focus on the installation of a main spine road and a green corridor.
It is envisaged the rock on site will be excavated by low level blasting to minimise the impact on surrounding buildings.
Hjaltland Housing Association chief executive Bryan Leask said the tender going out was “great news”, with a hope to be on site in the spring.
A planning application for the first phase of development, which would include over 120 homes, was submitted to Shetland Islands Council last year.
The overall development could see up to 350 affordable homes built in phases over 10 to 15 years.
Most of the new homes will be rental accommodation but the site will also provide opportunities for those who wish to move into low cost home ownership via shared ownership/shared equity housing and rent-to-buy properties.
Phase one, which is expected to be completed by the summer of 2025, is being overseen by architects PJP and engineer Mott MacDonald.
With the support of the Scottish Government Hjaltland acquired the site on the north side of Staney Hill in 2015.
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