Sport / Gymnastics club unsuccessful in bid to buy Mackenzie’s building
THE SHETLAND Gymnastics Club has confirmed that it was unsuccessful in its bid to buy the former Mackenzie’s building in Cunningsburgh.
In a post on social media the club said it is “absolutely devastated that all the young people waiting to join will now have a longer wait”.
The club had identified the large building, which is up for sale, as an ideal location for its athletes to train in.
The gymnastics club added on social media that “we tried everything we could to put in a high enough offer – we did offer over the asking price – but it obviously wasn’t good enough”.
“Please still continue to help us in our efforts as we now look at our last and most expensive option – a new build,” it added.
With more than 400 young children on its waiting list, the gymnastics club has been hampered by the lack of a purpose-built facility since its inception in 2005.
Numerous setbacks have hit their search for a dedicated building, with the club saying in September 2023 it would have to look to build its own facility – despite that being the most expensive option.
Local company CW Johnson Plant Ltd was also interested in the property and both parties submitted change of use planning applications.
The former Mackenzie’s farm shop and cafe, located at the north end of Cunningsburgh, has been vacant since closing in 2023. Its property listing said offers were invited for £425,000.
A planning statement on behalf of CW Johnston Plant said its proposal involved relocating its business and workshop from existing centres in Lerwick and Aithsetter, with the external yard being used for car parking, plant and equipment storage.
“The new premises will also serve as a central administration base for CWJ management personnel, and the café will reopen for public use on a smaller scale than before,” it added.
The statement also said there would be the construction of a new maintenance and repair workshop extension.
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