An artist’s impression of the eight rebuilt homes at Sandveien. Image: PJP Architects
Work on the Shetland Islands Council project is due to begin in April and it is expected to take 14 months, with the houses replaced with modern, energy efficient homes. The overall cost will be around £2.5 million, and this includes just over £700,000 of Scottish Government ‘More Homes’ funding. Chairman of the council’s development committee Dennis Leask said: “This project is the first major housing contract to be awarded by the council for many years and I’m pleased to see DITT Ltd win the contract for this, with their considerable experience in local housing developments. “This is a significant investment in our housing stock that will improve the quality of housing for these council tenants, who can look forward to living in modern homes when the project is complete. I look forward to seeing progress on site soon.” Peter Tait, managing director of DITT, said: “We’re delighted to have been awarded this contract to rebuild these properties at Sandveien. “DITT has carried out a number of housing developments during the last 40 years, so it is great to have another to add to our long list. We are particularly pleased as it gives us the confidence to begin our annual recruitment of new apprentices into the industry. “The range of training available on this project will give them skills to carry through their working life. It is exciting to be involved, and we are sure it will create a lot of interest as it progresses.” In addition to the new build properties, around 160 council properties in Sandveien will also see major upgrades over the next 12 to 18 months, with replacement kitchens and bathrooms fitted, and new heating systems installed. The estimated cost will be in the region of £1.8 million and contracts are expected to be awarded soon for this work to begin in the spring of this year. Residents of the Sandveien estate, which is now decades old, previously held public meetings about the standards of the properties in the area.