Argyll and Bute Council is set to appoint a contractor to deliver the Helensburgh Waterfront development for public use in 2022.
The council’s Business Continuity Committee today (25 June) agreed to award a multi-million pound contract to give Helensburgh a high quality swimming pool and leisure centre. The contract will also deliver strengthened flood defences for the site and improved public realm.
Today’s decision follows a formal tender exercise run by the council to secure best value for investment in the development.
A public report considered by the Business Continuity Committee (BCC) sets out the schedule for construction which could see work starting on site in August 2020, and the building opening for use in August 2022. This schedule is based on current COVID-19 restrictions on non-essential construction work, (which includes the Helensburgh Waterfront development), being lifted in August as indicated in the Scottish Government’s routemap out of lockdown.
Councillor Gary Mulvaney, Policy Lead for Finance & Major Projects, welcomed the BCC’s decision and highlighted the role the development will play in helping Helensburgh and the wider local economy move on from the impact of COVID-19: “The council is investing millions of pounds in creating a successful future for Helensburgh. The waterfront development is a key part of that.
"This project will deliver benefits for Helensburgh as soon as work begins on site – the construction period will bring opportunities for jobs and support services at a time when local economies are crying out for help in moving on from the impact of COVID-19.
"Longer term, it will give residents a fantastic facility to enjoy and it will be another reason for the people we need to attract to the area to choose Helensburgh to live, work and visit. Today’s decision takes us a huge step forward in turning ambition into reality for Helensburgh.”
To comply with national procurement legislation, the council must now inform tender applicants of the outcome and allow for a 10 day ‘standstill’ period for any queries about this decision. This means that the council cannot confirm the name of the contractor or the value of the contract earlier than 15 July.
