Construction of the £12 million creative industries centre Mareel, based in Lerwick, began in June 2009. Building works were completed in August 2012 with the official opening of the centre taking place in November 2012.
The centre could provide up to 53 direct and indirect jobs in Shetland, which is already home to over 200 organisations involved in the creative industries. The HIE Youth Migration Study indentified the creative industries as one of the most important sectors in encouraging young people to stay in or return to Shetland.
HIE supported the development of Mareel and approved funding of £965,000 towards the building. Other funders of the project include the Scottish Arts Council, Shetland Islands Council, Shetland Development Trust, ERDF and the Gannochy Trust. The Centre is owned and managed by the Shetland Arts Development Agency (SADA), a registered charity and HIE account managed social enterprise.
The main aim of this project was to develop a multifunctional creative industries centre to act as a hub for the growth and development of the creative industries sector.
The venue provide opportunities for musicians, film makers, lighting and recording engineers, dancers and other arts practitioners to develop their skills. It will also be an attraction for tourists, and will through technology and international connections, help promote arts and culture of the Highlands and Islands to the wider world.
Mareel includes a sound recording studio, multi-media production suite, rehearsal space, educational and work space, a cinema, a small screening room, and a multi-use auditorium.