Council looking for comments on Harbour Street plans

Redevelopment plans for Kirkwall’s Harbour Street will be available for comment on Tuesday, January 31.

Looking at options to expand its flood resilience project, which will see a 1.1-metre-high wall built at the Kirkwall basin, the OIC is also looking at ways that the street and pavement area could be improved.

The potential works mostly comprise refurbishment and modifications to the street to make the area more attractive to pedestrians and cyclists, as well as improving the entrance to Bridge Street.

Proposed plans include additional paving adjacent to the local businesses on the harbour front. This would include the area of the street in front of Helgi’s and the St Ola Hotel, as well as the areas either side of the entrance to Bridge Street, adjacent to the Kirkwall Hotel and The Shore.

“The aim will be to look at the option of installing similar paving to that which will be installed on the Harbour side alongside the new floodwall as part of the current flood prevention works project,” said council spokesman.

“At this stage there is no council approval to proceed with any works beyond those which have been approved as part of the current flood prevention scheme – these were the subject of previous public consultations.

“The option of adding works on the south side of the street are being tabled in draft form to seek public opinions before any decisions are made.

“It is hoped that following the consultation, the findings can be reported to the council in February to consider next steps and to further explore funding options for the additional works if there is support from the consultation for the council to proceed.”

The consultation drop-in event is due to take place on Tuesday, January 31, from noon until 6pm, in the Shapinsay Ferry Waiting Room.