Pentland Ferries has submitted a planning application to Orkney Islands Council for the development of a new three-storey head office and waiting room with a covered walkway to provide a sheltered pathway to board the vessel at St Margaret’s Hope.
The development is designed to accommodate public waiting areas, customer services offices, toilets, a marine and technical zone, meeting rooms and offices, improving the passenger experience and bringing the offices and management team together under one roof.
A timeline for construction will be confirmed following the determination of the planning application. In the interim, a separate planning application is being submitted to site a temporary facility to replace the existing booking office and other office accommodation located at the pier.
Managing director of Pentland Ferries, Helen Inkster, said: “This is an important and ambitious move for Pentland Ferries.
“While terminal facilities have been continuously improved to handle increasing traffic, the administration, marine and and passenger facilities at St Margaret’s Hope now require updating to efficiently service the needs of the business and our customers.
“The new energy efficient building will provide an improved visitor experience and better accessibility for our customers and staff.
“The development reflects the growth and aspirations of the company and positions it well for the future. It will greatly increase operational efficiency and give the team a main base from which to operate.
“The most recent development of the marshalling yard was undertaken with the aim of providing a suitable site for the building adjoining the existing ro-ro facility and we are delighted to now be in a position to take this forward.”
The plans have been designed by HRI Munro Architecture. Vicky Hazell, director, said: “We are very proud to be part of Pentland Ferries’ ongoing development, and delighted to help deliver a contemporary, high quality terminal building for their staff and passengers. The new facility will also serve as an important gateway to Orkney for visitors.”
Helen Inkster concluded: “If approved, the development will represent a significant, entirely private, investment in Pentland Ferries’ shoreside infrastructure, supporting the continued growth of our services between Orkney and Caithness.”