College extension work delayed for design changes

The extension to Shetland College is to be delayed for a short time because modifications require to be made to the design.

Work by contractor Hunter and Morrisons is now likely to begin in two weeks to allow the minor changes to be made.

“It’s unfortunate that these issues have arisen, and the problem has been compounded by unavoidable changes within the council’s project team, but I’m confident that this will only lead to a delay of around a fortnight” explained Robert Sinclair, the SIC’s executive manager of capital programme service.

“In any project of this scale there are likely to be issues which have to be resolved as works progress, and we’ve taken the view that it’s better to deal with these at an early stage, rather than risk the more costly implications of a delay later on. We anticipate that the comparatively minor costs associated with this can be absorbed within the overall project budget.

“We’re working very closely with Hunter and Morrisons and the rest of the project team, and we are confident that the project will be completed to the original programme.”
Billy Morrison, partner in Hunter and Morrisons, said: “I’m looking forward to working with the new project team to deliver a high quality facility for Shetland’s young folk, and taking a couple of weeks to ensure that we move ahead on a sound footing is certainly the right approach to take.”

Former chairman of the Shetland College board, councillor Allan Wishart, said: “I’m keen to see this important project move forward. Any delay is always unwelcome, but I’m confident that the council’s team will soon have work back on schedule.”