Housing / Proposals unveiled for affordable housing at old Urafirth school site
REVAMPING the old Urafirth School site into seven affordable homes could cost between £1.5 million and £2 million, according to developer Northmavine Community Development Company (NCDC).
It said the proposal would “provide much needed community led housing that will help to arrest depopulation in a fragile rural area”, with social rent the preferred tenure option.
Plans for the scheme, which would feature detached units constructed off-site, went on show at the Hillswick Hall at the weekend.
NCDC chair Bob McGeady said he was “very pleased” with the feedback and thanked everyone who attended and helped with the exhibition.
“I very much hope that we will be able to deliver what will be an ambitious scheme but one which will have significant long-term benefits for Northmavine,” he said.
NCDC has also launched a survey which is available online.
Plans drawn up by Malcolmson Architects includes demolishing the old and dilapidated classroom at the site, while keeping and potentially refurbishing the schoolhouse.
Current plans include two one-bedroom and two two-bedroom homes in a first phase, with a second phase potentially in the offing too.
However there is the potential to have four one-bedroom homes, or four two-bedroom ones, instead.
NCDC said the homes would primarily be provided for the benefit of existing residents in Northmavine, but there could be wider eligibility too.
The project has already progressed through several early stages, including a structural survey in 2021, as well as a housing needs assessment and architectural feasibility work.
The current proposals are focused on creating affordable homes to rent, reflecting local needs and supporting people who want to live in Northmavine.
NCDC said the proposal responds to a “clear local shortage of affordable rental homes, especially smaller starter homes for young people, couples and families”.
“By reusing an existing brownfield site with services and access already in place, the project also offers a sustainable way to support the long-term future of the community,” it added.
Statistics provided by NCDC say that the cost of living in the Shetland North ward is eight per cent higher than the Shetland average.
It also said the current household size is estimated to shrink from the current 2.18 people to 1.58 by 2048.
Household income in Shetland North was said to be £31,980 a year, which is the second lowest in Shetland.
Meanwhile the statistics show that only two affordable homes were built in Shetland North between 2011 and 2023, with 39 private dwellings constructed.
If the project progresses then NCDC would look to acquire the property from owner Shetland Islands Council, potentially through a community asset transfer or negotiated sale.
The old Urafirth school closed in the 1990s when pupils transferred to a new building further along the road towards Hillswick.
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