13th May 2021

New Marine Workshop Building for Stornoway Port Authority

3b Construction secured £2.5m worth of contracts to build a new marine engineering workshop for the Stornoway Port Authority.

The project is part of a wider £12m investment in its Newton Basin and Goat Island development with 3b. A large subcontract package was secured by local company Breedon Hebrides. The project will provide two covered boat repair bays within the new engineering building, one of which will be available on a long-term lease, and the other on a short-term basis. It aims to let local businesses create skilled jobs and further utilise the port’s facilities. Both the commercial and marine leisure markets will be serviced by this building and the facilities at Goat Island.

The development will also see the construction of an external wash-down area for vessels using the new boat hoist. The existing slipway will continue to serve larger vessels unable to use the boat lift, while a new public slipway will accommodate vessels too small to use the boat lift.

Highlands and Islands Enterprise has provided £3.5m, while £2.75m comes from Comhairle nan Eilean Siar and Scottish Government, via the Regeneration Capital Grant Fund.

Construction works are now underway with completion of the wash-down expected late summer and the marine engineering building starting in the second quarter of 2022.

Stornoway Port Authority chief executive Alex MacLeod said: “Partnering with the correct contractors is critical to ensure the successful delivery of the Newton Basin/Goat Island development, so we are delighted to be working alongside 3b Construction and Breedon Hebrides – two vastly experienced businesses with a track record of success.”

Community Wealth Building Minister Tom Arthur added: “The ongoing programme of regeneration in Stornoway is seeing the revitalisation of the harbour and town centre with the establishment of a new commercial corridor, bringing about new opportunities for local business and employment in this important location in the Outer Hebrides.

“Investing in our communities will ensure every part of Scotland recovers from the pandemic, helping build an economy for everyone.”

Designers: Arch Henderson
Timescale: The marine engineering workshop is due for completion in 2022