News / New Holmsgarth pier to create up to 20 jobs
LOCAL civil engineering firm Tulloch Developments has been appointed as the main contractor to build Lerwick Port Authority’s new £16.5 million Holmsgarth North pier.
The latest expansion of Lerwick Harbour will see 800 metres of additional deep water berthing space being constructed over the next two years.
The port is currently enjoying brisk business thanks to increased oil and gas exploration activity to the east and west of Shetland.
Tulloch Developments director George Smith said the contract would create between 15 and 20 new jobs, including a number of apprenticeships.
He said: “We successfully completed on time and on budget all the port authority’s major capital work for the last three years, and are delighted to have also been chosen to do Holmsgarth North.”
The new jetty at Holmsgarth North will provide deeper berthing and more working area for the fishing fleet, while the outer arm of the L-shaped jetty will create a dock sheltering a planned new white fish market.
The outer arm will also be suitable for berthing offshore industry vessels.
The pier was designed by staff at the local office of civil engineers Arch Henderson LLP, which will also act as project manager.
Port authority chief executive Sandra Laurenson said: “The jetty will be a significant addition to our resources and another example of our versatile facilities.
“While principally benefiting the fishing industry, it will also serve the offshore sector – underlining our commitment to both.
“The latest step towards a new white fish market, Holmsgarth North will reinforce both Lerwick’s future as a leading UK fishing port and the sector’s key contribution to the Shetland economy.”
The Bank of Scotland is providing finance for the project. Its SME banking relationship manager David Nicolson said the investment would provide “a significant boost to the Shetland economy”.
During construction of Holmsgarth North, the fishing industry will use Mair’s Quay as the berthing area for net repair and working on gear.
Mair’s Quay was completed last year and will be the site for the new market due to begin construction in early 2016.
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