The handover of Lerwick Harbour’s new Mair’s Quay today by contractor, Tulloch Developments, to the Port Authority has marked completion of a new facility for the port. The quay is the first step in a larger project to be the site for a replacement white fish market.
Design of the market is continuing through 2013, including discussions with industry stakeholders on the services and facilities required. Once designed, tenders will be invited with a view to then putting a funding package together in spring next year, prior to a construction contract award.
The quay project was triggered by the Scottish Government’s allocation of £965,283 from the European Fisheries Fund (EFF) towards the £3.17 million cost.
Sandra Laurenson, Lerwick Port Authority Chief Executive , said: “The quay is another valuable addition to the harbour’s resources and underlines the commitment of the Scottish Government and the Authority to sustaining and developing the fishing industry’s future.
“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. Meantime, the quay will be put to good use ahead of the new market.”
It increases the area available at Holmsgarth, where North Holmsgarth is currently congested with net and gear handling, provides additional berthing, and will be a temporary facility for other sectors, including the oil and gas industry at a time of high activity.
With the Authority’s civil engineering consultants, Arch Henderson, responsible for design and supervision, the quay has been constructed on 1.45 hectares of land reclaimed at Mair’s Yard as part of the Tulloch contract.
The quay, which complements the adjoining LHD Limited depot servicing the fishing fleet, provides a 151-metre quay, with a minimum six metres’ water depth – accommodating larger fishing vessels now operating and a prime reason for relocating the market.
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Press Release, August 21, 2013