UHI looking at ways to redevelop Scalloway lecture theatre
UHI Shetland is keen to hear from the local community on ways its lecture theatre in Scalloway could be redeveloped.
Some ideas floated during a presentation on the topic on Wednesday evening included having a small stage area for events like drama music, or improving facilities for hosting conferences.
Principal and CEO of UHI Shetland Laura Burden also said there could be potential to upgrade some of the seating to include writing desks or power sockets, for example.
It comes as part of UHI Shetland’s campus redevelopment project, which aims to upgrade facilities at the fisheries college.
The project is backed by funding worth up to £3 million from the government-financed islands deal.
It is separate to UHI Shetland’s plans to transition to a single campus set-up in Scalloway, moving out its Gremista premises in Lerwick.
The first phase of the campus redevelopment project – which could be completed by autumn 2027 – includes reinstating accommodation on the top floor of the adjacent Port Arthur House, as well as bringing a student ‘hub’ into the building too, and redeveloping the lecture theatre.
The overall aim of the project is to create “modern, high quality learning and training facilities and innovative approaches to digital and distance learning”.
Regarding the lecture theatre, Burden said its construction, which includes concrete and services underneath, means turning the space into something else is not possible.
She said UHI Shetland – which is engaging with architects – was interested to hear from people about possible changes, particularly which could enable greater community use and make it more accessible and inclusive.
One message from Wednesday’s event was that the lecture theatre, which has a capacity of nearly 100, is not used too often by students.
It can be hired for events, with recent examples including screenings of a Shetland Bus documentary. Going back many years, a film club also regularly used it.
It has also been used for talks and other events, such as hosting activities during family-friendly UHI open days at the college.
Burden said possible improvements could include making the space for more friendly for events, such as music or drama, and removing the front row of seats to make more space.
Other suggestions included writing desks and charging points at some seats, and having an integrated sound system as well as facilities for better live streaming, or multiple projectors for a more “immersive” experience.
“It can be a real asset to the community of Scalloway and beyond,” Burden said.
Anyone with feedback or ideas is invited to contact futurecampus.shetland@uhi.ac.uk
The most similar venue in Shetland is the auditorium in the museum in Lerwick, which is slightly larger with a capacity of more than 120.
Meanwhile UHI Shetland is currently engaging with students on the wider campus consolidation project, with a series of meetings being held this month.
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