New flood defences, the purchase of the site of a former pub, and a new focal point for the start of the John Muir Way have all contributed to a rise of £5m in the budget for Helensburgh’s new leisure centre, according to Argyll and Bute Council.
The local authority also says that all the funding is in place for the new waterfront facility after the £22m contract was awarded to Heron Brothers.
The Northern Ireland-based company, which has an office in Glasgow, will take of the task of building the leisure centre, which has a projected opening date of August 2022. Work is scheduled to start next month.
The planned cost of the project was initially quoted in February 2016 as £17m, which then increased to £19.5m in February 2019.
A council spokesperson said: “The level of investment has increased due to a number of factors including the increased rate of inflation since the original budget was set in 2016.
“We have also added to the original work planned to maximise economic growth benefits for the area.
“Planned work includes new flood defences, the purchase of the ex-Mariners site, improved public space along East Clyde Street and a new focal point for the start of the John Muir Way.
“The council planned for this at the February 2020 budget when members identified and approved a £5m ring-fenced budget for capital pressures for strategic projects.
“The additional investment is therefore already in place for Helensburgh.”
The leisure centre was awarded planning permission in January 2019. Demolition of the existing facility will not begin until the new one is complete.
The council concluded the purchase of the Mariners site, at the north-east corner of the development area, in 2017.
It was formerly home to the Mariners pub, which was destroyed by fire in April 2010 and demolished a short time later.
Area committee chair Ellen Morton said at the time of the Mariners site purchase that the amount paid to Sainsbury’s would remain commercially confidential.
But Registers of Scotland data shows the site was sold for £132,000 in November 2017.
Hailing the awarding of the contract for the waterfront, policy lead for finance and major projects Gary Mulvaney said: “The appointment of Heron Brothers Ltd marks one of the most significant milestones of this complex project.
“The award of this contract is the culmination of years of planning, engagement, consultation and due diligence.
“As we emerge from Covid-19 and its global impact, contracts and projects such as the waterfront development will play an essential part in helping our regional and national economies to recover.
“As work starts in August, our local economy will benefit from employment and service opportunities.
“It’s a really exciting time for Helensburgh that will not only provide residents with a fantastic facility but also provide a positive draw for visitors and people thinking about moving to the area.”
Cathal Heron, regional director for Heron Brothers Ltd, said: “Heron Brothers Ltd are delighted to collaborate with Argyll and Bute Council and their team to construct the Helensburgh Waterfront project for the area.
“The new leisure centre will continue to enhance our considerable experience in the sports and leisure sector and we are looking forward to starting on site and delivering a first class facility for the people of Helensburgh.”
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