| Modern Facilities for Modern Business in Barra |
12 December 2003 |
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A three pronged approach by Western Isles Community Planning agencies is being taken in developing business facilities at Castlebay in Barra. Access and servicing works for much needed business accommodation have been substantially completed with only the final landscaping and lighting to be completed. Comhairle nan Eilean Siar and Western Isles Enterprise, with funding support from the Highlands and Islands Special Transitional Programme (HISTP), are developing the 0.5ha site in Castlebay in a £300,000 project to provide business accommodation. The development has been designed to a high standard and will include solar energy lighting units. The aim is to develop the site as three separate plots with a further area for future development. The Comhairle intends to build a purpose built unit for a local hi-tech company that will allow them to move from their current small premises, take on new staff and expand their business. Western Isles Enterprise hope to develop a second plot and has engaged a firm to carry out a feasibility study for the design of suitable units on the site. It is intended that the third plot will be taken up by the UHI Millennium Institute for the construction of a remote learning centre and base for the OFTTI project. It is hoped that this development will also be part funded by HISTP. Cllr Archie Campbell, Charman of Sustainable Development, said: “This will be a major development of business facilities in Barra which will lead to more jobs, better accommodation and increased confidence amongst the Barra business community. Working together with our Community Planning partners we are putting in place first class facilities to meet modern business demands”. Local Councillor Donald Manford said; “I very much welcome this improvement to business facilities in Barra and I look forward to the completion of what is an excellent development. Barra has much to offer in terms of quality of life but we also need modern facilities to enable us to compete on a level business playing field”.
Ends Nigel Scott Tel: 01851 709389 (Work) |
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