Plans to build around 260 new homes in Orkney have taken a significant step forward, bringing fresh hope of easing housing pressures for island families and people working in the local community.
Places for People Scotland has appointed Michael Gilmour Associates Ltd to develop proposals for two major housing sites in Kirkwall, marking another milestone in its partnership with Orkney Islands Council.
The developments form part of a wider ambition to deliver up to 500 affordable homes across Orkney, helping address the demand for housing in communities where suitable accommodation can be difficult to secure.
Around 60 homes for affordable rent are proposed at the former Papdale Halls site, while the larger Weyland development could provide approximately 200 homes for affordable rent and sale.
The appointment follows a competitive tender process, with the architects now tasked with examining planning requirements, site conditions, construction costs and the practical challenges of delivering both developments.
Although construction has not yet been scheduled, the work will help establish how the proposals can progress towards becoming new homes.
The project will also provide support for local childcare provision, with Places for People Scotland contributing £3,000 towards relocating Willow Tree Nursery to a purpose built facility at UHI Orkney.
The funding will assist with furniture and setup costs, helping the nursery continue providing early years services for local families.
Andrew Usher, Group Managing Director for Regeneration and Development at Places for People, said:
“We’re delighted to be taking the next step towards delivering around 260 new homes at Papdale Halls and Weyland, as part of our wider ambition to deliver up to 500 homes across Orkney.
“Appointing MGA means we can now develop our plans in more detail, ensuring the homes we deliver are well designed, sustainable and respond to the needs of Orkney’s unique Communities.
“This is an important step, but there is still work to do before we can start building.
“We look forward to continuing to work closely with Orkney Islands Council and our local partners to bring these plans forward and deliver the homes that Orkney needs.”
The partnership aims to deliver benefits beyond housing, including opportunities for local employment, skills development and investment in the wider island economy.
Councillor Gwenda Shearer, Chair of Orkney Islands Council’s Education, Communities and Housing Committee, said:
“This is another welcome milestone in our partnership with Places for People as we work together to address Orkney’s housing needs and create opportunities for our communities to thrive.
“The appointment of MGA moves these important developments a step closer to reality and demonstrates the positive progress being made towards delivering new, high-quality homes across the county.
“We also welcome Places for People’s donation towards the relocation of Willow Tree Nursery.
“This contribution will help support the nursery’s move to its new home at UHI Orkney and demonstrates a commitment not only to providing much-needed housing, but also to supporting the wider infrastructure and services that help our communities flourish.
“We look forward to continuing our strong and productive working relationship as plans for Papdale Halls and Weyland progress and move towards delivery.”
Michael Gilmour Associates brings experience of residential developments elsewhere in Scotland, including Chapelton of Elsick, Tornagrain and Longniddry.
Stephen Pirie, Director at MGA Architecture, said:
“MGA Architecture are delighted to have been appointed by Places for People to support their housing programme in Orkney.
“It is a significant opportunity and one which aligns closely with our experience of delivering high-quality housing and new communities in locations where a strong understanding of place is fundamental to successful development.
“Our work with Places for People over many years has allowed us to develop a strong understanding of their aspirations for quality, sustainability and placemaking.
“We are proud to have contributed to award winning developments such as Chapelton of Elsick, Tornagrain and Longniddry, and we look forward to bringing that experience to Orkney.
“We look forward to working closely with Places for People, local stakeholders and communities to ensure that new homes respond positively to their surroundings, reflect the character of Orkney and contribute to the long-term success of the wider community of Kirkwall.”
The next stage will determine how many homes can realistically be delivered on each site, what form they will take and the investment required to make the developments possible.
For Orkney, the appointment represents progress towards increasing the supply of affordable housing, although the proposed homes remain subject to further planning and development work.
