Argyll and Bute Council has approved plans for the £18m Helensburgh Waterfront Development which will see a new leisure centre and swimming pool opened in the town
Councillors gave the green light to the Helensburgh Waterfront Development plans which will see a new leisure centre and swimming pool opened in the town, replacing the existing facility which will be demolished.
It follows a comprehensive pre-planning public consultation process, which saw more than 1,300 responses gathered, requiring officers and councillors to have more time to examine and consider all of the views put forward.
The central feature of the Helensburgh Waterfront Development will be a new leisure facility and swimming pool, with associated parking and coach drop-off, as well as public realm works to meet the needs of the local community and attract day visitors to the town.
Another key aspect of the project will be the improvement of the waterfront flood defences.
Councillor Ellen Morton, Chair of the Helensburgh and Lomond Area Committee, said: “We are thrilled that the committee voted to grant planning permission for this project and that the people of Helensburgh will finally have the new swimming pool and leisure facility that it so badly needs.
“There has been a lot of discussion over this project and a lot of strong opinions aired. However, we are confident that today’s decision will deliver a facility that will be of great value to the community. I can’t wait to see work begin at the site.”
Councillor Gary Mulvaney, Policy Lead for Strategic Finance and Capital Regeneration Programme, added: “The purpose of this project was to create a vibrant and attractive waterfront for the town and to help further develop Helensburgh as a great place to live, work, invest and visit.
“As well as providing state-of-the-art leisure facilities for local people, the Waterfront project is expected to encourage additional private sector investment in the waterfront area and town centre. A lot of hard work has gone into this project and we are grateful for that, as well as for the feedback of everyone who took part in our extensive public consultation.”
