SIC to explore all options for Lanes development

THERE is “nothing off the table” when it comes to how the proposed Lerwick Lanes development may proceed, a meeting has heard.

Acting housing manager George Martin told a meeting of Shetland Islands Council’s (SIC) development committee on Wednesday that officers are keen to explore all options.

An update report is expected to be presented to councillors in November.

The SIC previously commissioned a masterplan for the site, located in and around the Park and Pitt Lane areas.

Ageing council-owned flats on Pitt Lane are set to be demolished this year, which would potentially pave the way the development.

In 2024 councillors picked a preferred option for the site which featured a “compromise” of housing, parking and garden space.

The area in question includes the old swimming pool car park, with many in the community concerned that development could lead to the loss of parking space.

No final decisions have yet been made, although an implementation plan was approved last year. The Pitt Lane flat demolition is set to go ahead, with a contract currently out to tender.

Advertisement7 of 10

The topic of the redevelopment was raised against on Wednesday by North Isles member Robert Thomson.

He asked if the SIC is considering the option of “selling them on or doing a competition for private contractors to do this”.

Thomson suggested a private developer could make the process quicker given the SIC’s housing team’s workload.

Martin said all options are open, and added that what Thomson suggested would be “very much in the mix for consideration”.