Plans to renovate an area which has been derelict for several years will soon get underway in Lerwick, Shetland.

Shetland Enterprise has unveiled a £110,000 project to bring two sites next to the historic Fort Charlotte in Old Lerwick back into economic use.  Fort Charlotte was built by Oliver Cromwell and later completed by Charles II in 1668, and the project will expose a large section of its west wall, which has been obscured for many years. 

The former garage premises of Leask Motors at the junction of Harbour Street and Market Street will be demolished, and the site of the former livestock auction mart and slaughterhouse directly opposite will be cleared.

The Local Enterprise Company hopes the preparatory work will help pave the way for Shetland Council for Social Services' (SCSS) proposal to provide a centralised voluntary resource centre for Shetland's social and welfare voluntary organisations.

SCSS, an umbrella group for the area's numerous voluntary organisations, is currently at an advanced stage of discussions with Shetland Islands Council to release funds for the project.  The proposal for the site includes plans to renovate the existing 100-year old stone building and construct an adjoining building to provide office accommodation.

Ann Black from Shetland Enterprise said:  "This historic site has lain empty for several years and this is a great opportunity to improve its appearance and bring it back into economic use.  SCSS's plans for the site will greatly benefit the voluntary sector and we are keen to do all we can to help them at this early stage."

Site preparation is scheduled to begin in the middle of February.