NCDC funding to buy old Urafirth school site ‘important step in an exciting journey’
NORTHMAVINE Community Development Company (NCDC) securing nearly £100,000 to buy the old Urafirth School site for a potential housing development has been described as a “significant milestone”.
NCDC said community ownership offers the “potential to create homes that meet local needs, help attract and retain families, and support the long-term sustainability of Northmavine”.
The funding award of £99,000 came via the Scottish Land Fund as part of a series of grants for Shetland community projects.
Early plans for a seven-home scheme on the old school site went out to public consultation earlier this year.
Plans drawn up by Malcolmson Architects included demolishing the old and dilapidated classroom at the site, while keeping and potentially refurbishing the schoolhouse.
The estimated cost of the seven-home affordable housing development proposal is between £1.5 million and £2 million.
The old Urafirth school closed in the 1990s when pupils transferred to a new building further along the road towards Hillswick.
In statement released after the funding award was announced this week, NCDC said the grant was the result of a “great deal of hard work, local support, and a shared vision for the future of Northmavine”.
“One of the key opportunities being explored is the development of community-led housing on the site,” it added.
“With housing availability and affordability continuing to be a major challenge for many rural and island communities, community ownership offers the potential to create homes that meet local needs, help attract and retain families, and support the long-term sustainability of Northmavine.
“This funding award is an important step in what will be an exciting journey. NCDC is committed to working closely with the community, partners, and stakeholders to develop plans that reflect local priorities and maximise the benefits of this unique opportunity.”
NCDC also wished to thank the Scottish Land Fund and Shetland Islands Council, who is the landowner, for its support through the process.
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The group said it also wanted to thank “everyone in the community who has contributed ideas, encouragement, and support along the way”.
“The journey is only just beginning, and we look forward to sharing updates and involving the community as plans for the site’s future take shape,” it added.
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