The council has appointed specialist roof contractors to carry out reconstruction work on the roof of Helensburgh Leisure Centre.
This follows detailed assessment by the council and insurers of the damage wreaked on the roof by Storm Eowyn, work to carry out immediate repairs and a competitive tendering process for specialist roofing contractors to re-build the roof.
The next steps will now include completion of the technical design for the roof and procurement of long-lead items such as the replacement roofing system, to enable reconstruction to begin in the autumn.
A report to a meeting of Council today (26 June) outlined the impact of Storm Eowyn across Argyll and Bute, including the leisure centre.
The ferocity of the storm damaged the roof to such an extent that it needs to be completely replaced. The building will also need extensive repairs across the internal first floor in respect of mechanical and electrical plant and equipment, fixtures, finishes such as wall coverings and floor finishes.
At this stage, it is expected that the centre could re-open by March 2026.
As well as considering progress on repairs to the centre, councillors also noted loss of income to Live Argyll while the centre is closed, and agreed to provide additional funding of up to £455,000 to support it during the repair and recovery process.
Councillor Ross Moreland, Policy Lead for Finance and Commercial Services said:
“Getting specialist contractors on site is another important step forward in what is a complex recovery process for the leisure centre.
As well as affecting infrastructure, Storm Eowyn has had considerable financial impact across Argyll and Bute. Providing additional funding for Live Argyll is a reflection of that. The focus is on doing all we can to get the centre available again for use as quickly as circumstances allow.”
You can read the report on the council website at agenda item number 10.
While the leisure centre remains closed, Live Argyll has temporarily relocated its services. Details of these temporary arrangements are available on the Live Argyll website.
