Bonhoga won’t reopen until 2025

THE BONHOGA gallery will now only reopen in 2025, Shetland Arts has confirmed.

The building, located in Weisdale, is currently closed to allow for major refurbishment.

Initially the aim was to reopen later this year but that has now been pushed back.

Shetland Arts’ goal is to make the former mill, which contains a gallery, cafe and shop, more energy efficient and accessible, future-proofing it for the years ahead.

The charity received funding through the Shetland Charitable Trust capital grants scheme for the work.

In a new blog post on the Shetland Arts website, née gibson architects director Adrian Wishart said the job is a “top-down refurbishment”.

“What excites us most is the opportunity to refine how the building layout can be used by the public and to the improve energy efficiency of any building,” he said.

When asked what challenges will be faced, Wishart said: “Probably sourcing the required new materials within the budget, given the current challenges of the local and national construction industry.

“Otherwise we are confident that between née gibson architects and H James Nisbet Surveyors, we can deliver the project for Shetland Arts.”

He said that internally the pitch pine floor beams, stairs and layout will remain, “but it’s intended that new wall linings will be provided as part of the improvement of the thermal fabric of the outer walls and roof”.

“It’s also intended that the conservatory glazing will be improved, and enlarging the toilets. Essentially, we hope to preserve the character of the building, and its function as a conduit for the arts.”