Shetland-Music.com

At a Board Meeting of Shetland Arts Development Agency this evening (Monday 26 January 2009) Trustees of Shetland Arts agreed to proceed to contract Shetland based DITT Construction Ltd to build Mareel, Shetland's new music, cinema and education venue.

The decision comes after a period of careful examination of the project to identify any potential savings in the construction methods and materials along with any costs that may have been missed.

The conclusion is that Mareel can be built within budget. A construction contract for Mareel will be awarded to DITT Construction Ltd for just over £10 million (£10,022,019), a figure that includes a £300,000 contingency.

Gwilym Gibbon, Director of Shetland Arts said: "I would like to thank DITT Construction Ltd and our design team for all their work to date which has brought us to a very important stage in the development of this project. The constructive partnership approach that all have adopted over recent months has been welcomed. No stone was left unturned to ensure we maximise value for money on this project. No significant changes have been made in the design, sizes or number of spaces in the building".

Donald Murray, Chair of Shetland Arts said: "It is with great pleasure that Shetland Arts can now move forward on the construction of Mareel with DITT Construction Ltd as our partner. I would like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to the hard work of the Design Team and DITT Construction Ltd in getting us to this stage. I would also like to thank all those in Shetland who have been eagerly awaiting news on the final costs of Mareel for their patience. I hope it has been appreciated that it was not wise for us discuss openly the negotiations with DITT, sub-contractors and the Design Team through this period. It was important that Shetland Arts and DITT agreed on a final figure before going public in any way".

He went on to say "DITT Construction Ltd are an excellent local firm which has demonstrated high levels of craftsmanship in some of Shetland's most prestigious building projects. Mareel will be a fitting neighbour to DITT's most recent award winning major project the Shetland Museum and Archives".

Gibbie Irvine, Managing Director of DITT Construction Ltd said "We are delighted to have been appointed contractor for the Mareel project. A huge amount of time and effort was spent in preparing our tender submission and subsequent discussions with the Project Team, and it is therefore very satisfying to have that commitment rewarded. As a major employer, the award of the contract will assist in securing the continued employment of our workforce and a continuation of our apprenticeship training programme. We look forward to working with the Shetland Arts Project Team to bring this exciting project forward."

Gary Johnson, Director, Gareth Hoskins Architects said: "Shetland is a unique place and it has been a real delight to work on such an important project and even more satisfying to know that it will be built by a local contractor. Projects of this nature are complex and challenging; they require a significant contribution and commitment from many people. We now have a positive way forward which is testament to the continued dedication of all those involved".

Gareth Hoskins added: "I have no doubt that when complete, Mareel will be a striking addition to Lerwick's waterfront and provide a wonderful range of purpose built facilities that will contribute to and enhance Shetland's cultural reputation and musical heritage for many generations to come. It is a project with which we are all very proud to be involved".

Gwilym Gibbons, added: "I believe that DITT Construction Ltd will do Shetland proud. They have a track record for delivering great buildings and I am sure that Mareel will be no exception. It is an additional bonus that a local contractor has won the contract given the local knowledge they will bring to the project and the obvious significant added value to the local economy. This is good news for Mareel and good news for Shetland".

There are still a number of site-related issues to be resolved before Mareel construction can start. However, the agreement with DITT Construction Ltd on a price to build the venue, means that mobilisation planning can now begin which will ensure construction starts promptly once the remaining site issues are ironed out.

The next news on Mareel will be a construction start date expected some time before the spring.