Work on Helensburgh’s new state-of-the-art £22m leisure centre has been completed – with the facility set to open to the public next month.
The new development in West Clyde Street, was originally due to open in April 2020 – but had been hit by delays and disagreements over its design.
Contractors Heron Brothers began work in the summer of 2020, and despite the challenges presented by the Covid-19 pandemic, successfully completed the project on schedule.
LiveArgyll will run the new facility and gym equipment will be delivered over the next few days, after which staff will be trained in their new surroundings.
The centre will open its doors to the public on September 3, although the new car park at the facility was available for use from yesterday, with the existing car park set to close to allow for the safe demolition of the existing swimming pool, which shut last week.
LiveArgyll’s fitness class programme will continue to operate throughout August from the Victoria Halls.
Welcoming the news Argyll and Bute Council’s policy lead for commercial services, Councillor Gary Mulvaney, said: “Work on the waterfront development started almost two years ago to the day, amidst a global pandemic.
“Businesses were experiencing staff shortages due to Covid, people were on furlough, and building materials were in short supply.
“Despite these challenges, the council’s project team and contractors worked tirelessly to complete the leisure centre within the original timescale, many doing so while working remotely.
“This really is a fantastic achievement and one from which the local community and visitors will soon be able to reap the rewards.
“It is great that the new car park has opened too.
“This is another welcome addition to the town centre that will boost the local community for years to come.
“My congratulations go to everyone involved.”
The new car park has 190 spaces, all of which will be temporarily free to use for the first three months, and includes electrical vehicle charging, a bus drop off, bike parking and a cycle repair station.
The council will extend the car park once the existing pool is removed, creating further, additional parking
bays.
