Council / Knab demolition contractors to arrive on site
The demolition process could take 40 weeks to complete
CONTRACTORS for the demolition of the old Anderson High School are due to be onsite at the Knab in Lerwick today (Monday) with work getting underway shortly to demolish the buildings.
Bonnybridge-based company Central Demolition will be bringing plant, equipment and around ten staff to Shetland as they undertake the work over coming months.
The £1.34 million demolition contract was awarded in September last year.
Meanwhile, the overall cost for the first phase of the redevelopment project has risen sharply from an initial estimate of £1 million to about £4 million today.
The council site will ultimately host new housing, whilst the buildings which will be retained will be mixed use.
The process for demolition could take around ten months to complete, and will run into next year.
Shetland Islands Council’s development director Neil Grant said: “It’s great to see this work getting underway.
“The demolition of the redundant buildings will mean that folk can begin to get a clearer idea of the extent and potential of the site.
“Both the contractor and ourselves have written to residents to let them know what’s happening, what they’re likely to see in the coming weeks, and how to contact either team if they have any concerns.
“This is a great step forward for this major project, which we hope will create much-needed high quality, affordable and sustainable housing in the area, in a state-of-the art environment, and form the basis for a vibrant, thriving community.”
Ross Craig, managing director of Central Demolition, said: “We have thirty years of experience in carrying out demolition projects safely, on time, and within budget.
“The project is scheduled to take place over the next forty weeks, and we are committed to keeping both the local and wider community up to date with progress and ensuring there is as little inconvenience to our neighbours as possible.”
Among the buildings due to be retained include the Anderson Institute, the Janet Courtney hostel and the science block.
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