Survey aims to give town a say on Helensburgh waterfront site

March 1, 2023 Buildings, News

Residents have been urged to have their say in a ‘once in a generation’ chance to shape Helensburgh’s waterfront.

A site in front of the town’s new £23m leisure centre was put on the market last month with ‘favourable planning status’.

The site has long been controversial, with retailers such as Next originally suggested by owners Argyll and Bute Council.

Read more: Confusion surrounds MoD role in Helensburgh waterfront project

It is now being marketed via agents NovaLoca, with buyers told a 265-space car park is already provided, as well as an access road.

How it could look: A watermark on the indicative plan, which is freely available on the internet, states that it should not be reproduced without the council’s consent, but it is being shown here as it is thought to be in the public interest. A caption on the image states that is it for illustrative use and there is no requirement to build in that form.

But Helensburgh Community Council has set up an online survey, asking whether people want particular options:

A large retail development such as M&S or Aldi
Local retail
Community facilities
An additional leisure development
Or an alternative

A statement on the community council says: “For years the waterfront has been a hub for leisure activities, from outdoor swimming to skateboarding, for people in our town and a landmark to the thousands of visitors who come to Helensburgh for ice cream and a stroll.

“The clearing of the old swimming pool provides a once-in-a-generation chance to shape how this area is used by the local community and the perception of what Helensburgh is for people visiting.”

It adds that given the size of the space, a single large retailer would be the most obvious solution, but adds: “Helensburgh could benefit from more variety in its retail offering, but the location on the waterfront is not the best suited to deliver that.

“There is a case to be made to create retail units that aren’t currently in Helensburgh to encourage local entrepreneurs to open new businesses in the town.

“These could improve the diversity of retail within Helensburgh and appeal to the local community and the tourism trade.”

The agents state that the council will ‘consider a variety of options’ but there is ‘a general preference to generate long term income’ from the site.

But the community council says uses could include a central community facility to bring together ‘community-focused amenities currently scattered across Helensburgh’

This could include creating new spaces for the library as well as GP surgeries and incorporating a public area.

Another option suggested is a soft play area for visitors on rainy days or an outdoor centre to complement the range of activities around the town.

The community council adds: “This could be an essential leisure hub that enhances life in Helensburgh while becoming an attraction for people outside the town, providing valuable trade for our existing local businesses.”