State-of-the-art waterfront leisure centre completes in Helensburgh

Article posted on: 10 August 2022

Boasting a stunning waterfront location, the new leisure centre, which forms part of a wider £22m regeneration scheme in Helensburgh, has recently completed for Argyll and Bute Council.

Having reached practical completion, the new leisure facility was handed over by main contractor Heron Bros on Friday 29th July. Clancy’s Divisional Director, Bobby Bisset, attended along with the wider design team.

Opening its doors to the public on 3rd September, the centre will be operated by Live Argyll and features a six-lane, 25m swimming pool with 150 spectator capacity, a gymnasium, fitness studios, meeting rooms and catering facilities.  

Working in close collaboration with the integrated design team, we have delivered civil and structural design and advisory services on the development, which will benefit the local community and encourage visitors to the region.

Bobby commented, “We are delighted to see this scheme complete for the Council. This fantastic new facility has been delivered on time, despite the challenges that the construction sector has experienced due to Covid-19 over the last two years. This is testament to the whole team working together so efficiently”.

Along with the new leisure centre, the development includes wider public realm and pier works. A new car park provides 190 spaces and includes electrical vehicle charging, a bus drop-off, bike parking and a cycle repair station. An extension with further parking bays will be provided, once the existing pool has been removed.

The Helensburgh Masonry Pier is undergoing a £345,000 makeover to help improve the appearance and add to the overall improvements works at the waterfront.

Argyll and Bute Council, 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 that the local community and visitors will soon be able to reap the awards.”

An official opening ceremony will take place in the autumn.

View the project case study here.