Hundreds of new members have signed up to Live Argyll in just two weeks since Helensburgh’s new leisure centre opened, a councillor has said.
The facility at the town’s waterfront opened at the start of this month and Cllr Ian MacQuire said he had been given word of the increase in membership.
It is also expected that more clarity will emerge over the coming months about use of the land at the front of the site, where the town’s old swimming pool is currently being demolished.
Last month it was revealed here that councillors had been given a briefing which showed designs for shops topped with a grassed roof where events could be held.
The discussion took place at a meeting of Argyll and Bute Council’s Helensburgh and Lomond Area Committee yesterday.
Cllr MacQuire, who is on the board of Live Argyll, said: “We got an email the other day with the great news that they have had 500 new members in the two weeks since the new leisure centre opened.”
Cllr Gary Mulvaney added: “The project goes back many years. I think in 2004 we had various studies being done.
“I echo the thanks to (project manager) Andy Collins and his team, and to Heron Brothers, who have been a superb contractor.
“There are many projects which have been looked at across Argyll and Bute and have ended up in difficulties, either not having been completed in time or needing more money.
“That has not been the case with this project, so hats off to the contractor, because with a £22m project, there is a severe risk of ending up with a significant overspend.
“I was the policy lead, but in terms of the practical work, it is all down to the team.”
Cllr Corry, who also sits on the Live Argyll board, said: “The comments I have had all over the place have been extremely positive. I know Cllr Mulvaney did a lot of driving on this project with the late Ellen Morton, so thank you for all that.
“You may or may not know that the offer has been accepted for naming the fitness suite at the new leisure centre the Neptune Suite, in recognition of the Ministry of Defence’s contribution.
“This is a situation where, if we need more help later, the MoD will be a favoured partner. We are the only local authority in the UK with a development plan in partnership with the MoD.”
Cllr Fiona Howard then asked when further clarity would emerge about plans for the front section of the site.
Read more: Confusion surrounds MoD role in Helensburgh Waterfront project
Cllr Mulvaney responded: “I would like to think that, probably over the next few months, Ross McLaughlin (council head of commercial services) will bring a paper to us in terms of where we are.
“It will come to use first and then it will need to go to the full council, because there has to be a business case. I think it will come with a variety of options based on the masterplan and funding.
“Mr McLaughlin is currently updating with the consultants on the whole masterplan and the economic value that drives it.”
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