WORK is underway on the £15.65 million Annan Harbour regeneration project following a groundbreaking ceremony.
Led by Annan Harbour Action Group, Cubby Construction is main contractor on the project which will transform the historic harbour area into a vibrant destination for local people and visitors.
The project will create a heritage visitor centre, community hub, café, watersports lagoon and improved public spaces, while bringing the former Collett’s Building and the Minister’s Merse back into productive use.
Works include a new footbridge to improve active travel links, environmental improvements to the Minister’s Merse, biodiversity enhancements and the creation of a leisure lagoon that will provide new opportunities for recreation and water-based activities.
Initial construction activity will include work to create the new leisure lagoon and bridge access to the Minister’s Merse. The area will be rewilded with native species and will feature viewing platforms and a bird hide, allowing visitors to experience parts of the river that have been inaccessible for more than 60 years.
Mike Rodger, chairman of Annan Harbour Action Group, said, “After years of decline and neglect, the dreams and vision of a small, determined group of people are now being realised. This small charity has demonstrated what can be achieved through dogged determination and when that effort is married to the support of enlightened funders, there is no limit to what can be accomplished.
“Annan is a superb town and its residents deserve this. Very soon, Annan Harbour will be revitalised and the Solway coast will have an exciting new destination for everyone to enjoy.”
Russel Griggs, chair of South of Scotland Enterprise, added, “This is one of the most significant days for Annan Harbour and its thousand-year history. While the harbour has faced considerable challenges in recent years, the ambitious vision being driven forward by the Annan Harbour Action Group deserves praise and support.
“These regeneration plans will breathe new life into the area, creating a vibrant destination that benefits local people, attracts visitors and strengthens the town’s future. Empowering communities to be ambitious, enterprising and sustainable is at the heart of what we do at South of Scotland Enterprise. Working alongside local and national partners, we are proud to support this investment, helping to transform Annan Harbour into a thriving asset for the town, the region and future generations.”
