Papdale halls of residence demolition to begin in January

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 5 Nov, 16:38 · Archive

Demolition of Orkney's former Papdale Halls of Residence will begin in January 2025, with the site cleared by spring 2028 to make way for 60 affordable homes.

Orkney Islands Council has approved a contract to demolish the former Papdale Halls of Residence in Kirkwall, with demolition set to begin in January 2025. The site is expected to be cleared by spring 2028, freeing up the location for future housing development.

The building was constructed in 1969 and originally served as accommodation for school pupils from Orkney's ferry-linked islands attending Kirkwall Grammar School. It has largely stood empty since 2013, when a new halls of residence building opened nearby. The council estimated the demolition project at £3 million when it went out to tender in June.

The site has been identified as a prime location for redevelopment. Orkney Islands Council's Strategic Housing Investment Plan earmarks it for Places for People Scotland, the national housing association with which the council has partnered to build 500 homes across the county. Up to 60 affordable homes are anticipated to be built on the site. Deputy leader Sandy Cowie said the decision 'marks another important step in tackling the housing challenges facing Orkney' and that 'providing more homes remains one of the council's highest priorities'.

The council has not yet named the successful contractor. It cited the building's size and complexity, noting that asbestos is present in its construction, requiring a specialist contractor. The council said it intends to provide updates throughout the demolition phase.

How it is being reported

• Demolition date set for Kirkwall’s old Papdale halls of residence buildingDemolition will begin in January after local councillors approved the awarding of a contractor to undertake the workPress and Journal · 5 Nov, 16:13
• January start for halls of residence demolitionDemolition is set to get started at the former Papdale Halls of Residence next January, Orkney Islands Council (OIC) has said. The site could be cleared by Spring 2028, making way for an anticipated 60 affordable homes. Orkney Islands councillors have approved the awarding of the contract for demolition of the halls of residence, built […] The post January start for halls of residence demolition appeared first on The Orcadian Online .The Orcadian · 4 Nov, 12:58

In this story: Orkney Islands Council · Papdale Halls of Residence · Places for People Scotland · Kirkwall · Sandy Cowie

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