Flats on former fish factory site now completed, says Hjaltland

Hjaltland Housing Association has announced the completion of the 16 flats on the former site of Williamson’s Fish Factory at Grantfield.

The new development, to be known as Da Vadill, was designed by local architectural firm Richard Gibson Architects and was completed to a very high standard by DITT.

The flats have drawn a great deal of interest due to their prominent location and striking appearance which led to 188 applications being received for the 16 new flats.

Hjaltland Housing Association’s housing manager Fiona Robertson said: “The level of demand we experienced for these new flats shows the need for one and two bedroom homes in Lerwick and how necessary an ongoing development programme is for Shetland. We are delighted that we are able to offer 16 applicants from the waiting list an opportunity to move into their new homes.”

Principal architect, Richard Gibson, said of the project: “We are delighted with the completion of this Hjaltland Housing Association project at Grantfield. The former fish factory presented a dreary, derelict, face to one of the main routes into Lerwick before it was demolished. The scheme is designed to enhance the frontage of Holmsgarth Road, following the curve of the street, with a raised terraced front made of natural slate roofs, stone walling with larch cladding and timber windows.

“Residents will enter their flats through their own front doors from a sheltered walkway to the rear of the terrace which can be accessed from Holmsgarth Road, North Road, or from the tenants’ car park. The terrace is raised above Holmsgarth road and the building set back to give privacy to ground floor flats and guard against future rises in sea level. The set back also provides balconies for ground floor flats and planting.”

Despite the setback of the planning refusal at Veensgarth and the deferral for Utnabrake, Hjaltland is continuing to develop new houses throughout Shetland. Work is continuing on site with 35 new homes at Quoys, Lerwick, and 20 at Houlland, Sandwick. Work is also due to commence on 10 new houses in Aith within the month and there are also plans to develop new houses in Cullivoe and Eshaness over the next few months.