A topping out ceremony has been held on the £22 million Helensburgh Waterfront project following the completion of the structure and roof of the town’s new leisure centre.
The facility forms part of the overall project, which will see improved flood defences for the town, as well as new outdoor public meeting spaces, new landscaping and car and coach parking.
Argyll and Bute Council appointed Heron Bros Ltd to commence work on the project in August of 2020, with the local authority anticipating the development to be completed in 2022.
Councillor Gary Mulvaney, policy lead, financial services and major projects at Argyll and Bute Council, said, “Topping out the waterfront development marks a significant milestone as this fantastic build really starts to take shape.
“The new state of the art leisure facility will bring multiple benefits to the local community and is already supporting local economic recovery from the impact of the pandemic.
Building a development on this scale has created local employment opportunities for tradespeople and site workers, apprenticeships and education programmes for young people, and sponsorship for local community groups and organisations.
“We are committed to ongoing investment for our town centres, making them vibrant places for communities and to help attract new residents, businesses and visitors to the area. We look forward to the next stage of the development taking shape.”
With the main swimming and training pools completed, work is now being undertaken to install underfloor heating on the ground floor; mechanical and electrical works throughout the building including to the changing village, fitness studios, sauna and steam room; and installing a new lift.
Cathal Heron, regional director at Heron Bros, said, “Heron Bros is extremely pleased with the progress made to date. It is an exciting time as we ‘top out’ this leading leisure facility with Argyll and Bute Council.
“The celebration represents a high point not only for the project build, but it is also testament to the entire project team, who have worked so effectively, diligently, and safely together in making such impressive progress.
“Projects of this scale leave behind a legacy that goes beyond the physical construction and our team is proud to contribute to the transformation of Helensburgh’s waterfront.”
