New shop and music venue gets the green light

A planning application to convert Kirkwall’s old library into a shop, gallery, cafe and music venue, was approved by Orkney Islands Council’s planning committee today.

The application, for the building in Laing Street, was submitted by local businessman Neil Stevenson.

The application will see Mr Stevenson’s business, Grooves, move to the building, which will be extended to the rear and one side.

The application had been recommended for approval by the council’s planning officers. There was one objection from a neighbour to the site, on the grounds of noise.

Although the plans went unopposed by councillors and were largely praised, an explanation of how the venue would soundproofed was requested.

Grooves’ relocation from the Old Custom House, in Albert Street, will see it back in Laing Street, where the business began – in what is now SAS Business Supplies – in 1990.