Building Briefs – January 15th

Scottish Water is underway with a waste water treatment works (WWTW) upgrade project in Orkney.

The £10 million scheme will link existing sewers to the Bu Point WWTW and reduce the risk of pollution to surrounding waters in Stromness Harbour.

Work involves developing new manholes and sewer pipes at the pumping station at West Mainland Mart (within Scottish Water’s main site compound) and the pumping station within the Ferry Road car park between The Ferry Inn and Julia’s Cafe.

In addition, new control kiosks will be built along with new extended emergency storm water outfall pipes.

New 6mm fine mesh screens are to be installed to the emergency overflow pipe at 11 pumping stations, including event recorders and the provision for future flow monitoring in accordance with SEPA requirements.

Approximately 300 metres of existing water mains will also be replaced from Well Park along Ness Road to the Cannon area.

The project is being carried out by aBV.

Argyll and Bute Hermitage Park project receives HLF funding boost

Argyll and Bute Council, working with the Friends of Hermitage Park, has received confirmation from the Heritage Lottery Fund of a £2,333,300 grant towards the ambitious Hermitage Park redevelopment project.

The money from the HLF will pay for around three-quarters of the cost of the project, with the council contributing £280,000 directly and the remaining money coming from other funders such as the War Memorial Trust.

Sinkhole opens up in middle of Aberdeen road

An Aberdeen street has been shut after a two-foot wide sinkhole opened up in the middle of the road.

Chapel Street was closed by police at around 7pm on Thursday after the hole was reported by a taxi driver.

The road, which remains shut between Thistle Street and Union Street, is thought to have collapsed due to water ingress.

A taxi rank near the sinkhole has been closed while council engineers repair the damage but businesses have been allowed to stay open.

Aberdeenshire Council to hold hearings on planning applications

A number of pre-determination hearings discussing ‘major’ planning applications are to take place in Aberdeenshire next week.

The council will begin visiting each site from Monday, 18 January, with the last visit taking place on Wednesday, 09 March.

Applications include a mixed-use development at Mains of Cowie in Stonehaven, along with a supermarket at New Mains of Ury and a golf course and housing development at Ury Estate.

In addition, another mixed-use development is being proposed at Mill of Forest, along with a commercial development including another supermarket and petrol station at Ury Estate.

A new ‘sustainable’ community is also being proposed at Park Quarry in Drumoak.

For further information, visit here.

Drop-in event for North Lanarkshire heritage project

North Lanarkshire Council is to host an informational event about plans to develop a heritage project within the region.

Proposals to develop Drumpellier Country Park as a gateway to the Seven Lochs Wetland Park will go on display later this month.

The project involves carrying out improvements to the Visitor Centre with a lochside viewing area, a crannog-themed interactive play area and enhanced landscaping.

In addition, wildlife improvements will be carried out along with an expanded events programme.

A £550,000 application is due to be submitted to the Heritage Lottery Fund in order to help with costs towards the project.

The informational exhibition will take place at the Visitor Centre between 12pm to 4pm on Saturday, 23 January.