Stromness care home plans progress

The multi – million pound replacement of St Peter’s House in Stromness was up for discussion in the council chamber this week, when councillors agreed to progress with the project as part of the OIC appraisal process.

Members of the policy and resources committee – which met on Tuesday – were told that service pressures associated with the concurrent refurbishment of St Rognvald House in Kirkwall requires construction of the proposed replacement of St Peter’s in a single phase.

The stage 2 capital appraisal and request for the project to be added to the OIC’s capital programme, was approved by councillors at the committee.

The gross capital cost of the facility was stated at being just over £9 million, for the 40 bed facility.

There would also be additional revenue costs of £469,000 relating to the facility councillors were told, in respect of addition staffing, and to accommodate the increased number of beds.

Councillors were shown indicative drawing of the facility, located on council owned land on the Garson side of Stromness.

The report explained why the facility is required to replace the present day 32-bed St Peter’s, which is housed in a Victorian stone built former manse, which has been extended and upgraded over the years.

That process of upgrades and maintenance has now run its course, said the report, and the preferred option is to replace it, in order to provide a fit for purpose, efficient, modern building.