News / Lerwick’s new £3.2m fishing quay completed

LERWICK’s latest quay development has been handed over to the port authority on Wednesday.

The £3.2 million Mair’s Quay between Holmsgarth and the Lerwick power station will be the site for the new fish market, construction of which is scheduled to start next year. 

Built on 1.45 hectares of reclaimed land, the new 151 metre long quay provides a minimum water depth of six metres.

Chief executive of Lerwick Port Authority, Sandra Laurenson, said the completion of the work underlined the harbour’s commitment towards the fishing industry.

“The combination of quay and market will bring significant improvements and benefits to the sector’s operations and reinforce Lerwick’s position as a leading centre for landing fish,” she said.

The design of the new market will continue through 2013, including discussions with industry stakeholders on the services and facilities required, Laurenson said.

Once designed, tenders will be invited with a view to putting a funding package together in spring next year, prior to a construction contract award.

In the meantime however, it will be a temporary facility for other sectors, including the oil and gas industry at a time of high activity.

With the port authority’s civil engineering consultants, Arch Henderson, responsible for design and supervision, the quay has been constructed by Tulloch Developments.

The Scottish government has contributed almost £1 million to the project.