Public invited to give views on Knab redevelopment as project progresses

THERE is a hope that a planning application for the infrastructure and ‘public realm’ parts of a redeveloped former Anderson High School site could be submitted mid-2022.

Shetland Islands Council has appointed Arup, supported by LUC and Currie & Brown, to lead the infrastructure delivery of the Knab Masterplan project on the Lerwick site.

This will also involve public realm elements – the design of the open and accessible areas within the site.

The plan is to clear most of the site – leaving the listed buildings and science block – and construct a housing and mixed use development. A masterplan has already been created.

Information on the process, as well as the wider project, will be available for public view at Lerwick Town Hall on Wednesday 15 June from 2pm-8pm, and Thursday 16 June from 9am-2pm.

Anyone attending will be able to make comments on the proposals.

A new website will also be available where people can find more information, and be able to comment.

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The consultation is open until Friday 24 June. People can also contact the Knab project team directly by emailing Project.Knab@shetland.gov.uk.

Meanwhile an outline business case was submitted to Scottish and UK Governments in April for £9.6 million of islands deal funding for the redevelopment.

This include £3.5 million for a creative and cultural hub, and student accommodation.

The first phase of demolition is complete and the second is being tendered.

Speaking about the drop-in events planned for later this month, the council’s development committee chairman Dennis Leask said: “This is a tremendous opportunity for the public to drop by and see this project begin to take shape.

“It’s important that people have the chance to see what’s planned, and be able to make their views known.

“This is a major project, which gives us a unique opportunity to create a thriving, vibrant new community within Lerwick, and I’d encourage anyone who’s interested to take the time to drop along the Town Hall.”

If all goes to plan the hope is for construction to begin on site in 2023.