CUBBY Construction has been announced as the main contractor for the £15.65 million regeneration of Annan Harbour.
Mobilisation works are already underway, with the Carlisle-based firm expected to take full possession of the site on April 7 and the construction programme running for two years.
The project will look to breathe new life into Annan’s historic harbour basin and the adjacent Georgian sandstone warehouse. New facilities will include a visitor centre and café, maritime heritage centre, event space, leisure lagoon, training and retail space, and accessible nature walks along the Ministers’ Merse.
Mike Rodger, chairman of Annan Harbour Action Group, said, “After many years of decline and neglect, the dreams & vision of a few determined people are about to be realised. Designs have been prepared, the public consulted, all options costed and the necessary funding secured. Now, after six years of preparation, contractors have been appointed and contracts signed, and work will begin next week.
“I am delighted that the project has been let to a local company Cubby Construction, whose enthusiasm and commitment to the project is reassuring. They will do a great job for the people of Annan.
“It would be fair to say that it has been a Herculean task to get us to this point, and we wish to express our thanks to all those who have helped us to reach it. Very soon we will see the results: Annan Harbour will have been revitalised and we will have an exciting new destination for people to enjoy.”
Kirk Taylor, MD at Cubby Construction, added, “Cubby Construction is honoured to be appointed as the main contractor for the regeneration of Annan Harbour. The project represents a significant milestone for the community, and we are proud to play a leading role in delivering it.
“We bring considerable experience in delivering key projects that generate significant social and community value and are committed to delivering a sustainable development that respects the historic character of the harbour. Our focus will be on working closely with Annan Harbour Action Group, local stakeholders and the wider community to ensure the works are delivered safely, on time and to the highest quality.”
The project has been made possible through the support of the UK Government’s Levelling Up Fund, the Scottish Government’s Vacant and Derelict Land Investment Programme, and Place Based Investment Programme, Dumfries and Galloway Council and the South of Scotland Enterprise.
By its fifth year, the regenerated harbour is expected to attract 11,000 additional visitors to Annan annually and generate an estimated £27 million in socio-economic benefits for the wider area.
Tom Morton, of Arc Architects, added, “This is the magic point when six years of talking and designing turns into two years of action to transform the amazing historic and natural environment of Annan’s harbour into a thriving part of Annan’s future, bringing life, money, culture and learning back to a very special place. None of it would have been possible without years of hard work by dedicated local people and we look forward to highlighting opportunities for community involvement in the project, including training and employment, as the works progress.”
