On Tuesday 31st August, the Heron Bros. Helensburgh Waterfront Development project team were joined by dignitaries from the Argyll and Bute Council to celebrate the significant progress at the Leisure facilities which coincided with the one year anniversary of Heron Bros. beginning the project on site.

Despite the obvious challenges to the construction industry encountered due to the pandemic this landmark leisure facilities project is on track to open in 2022 with work having begun in August 2020.

Cathal Heron, regional director for Heron Bros, commented: “Heron Bros is extremely pleased with the progress made to date as we mark such a key milestone for the project. The celebration represents a high point not only for the project build, but for the entire project team, who have worked so effectively together in making such impressive progress.”

The Argyll and Bute Council’s £22million development will provide residents and visitors with exquisite leisure facilities with new swimming and studio pools, a gym and café which overlooks stunning views of the Clyde.

The Helensburgh Waterfront Development is designed to be fully accessible for all users and includes:

• Pool pod access facilities to enable wheelchair users and anyone with mobility issues to independently access the pool.
• A moveable floor in the studio pool, making it easier for all swimming abilities
• A Changing places toilet with hoist equipment and a changing bench

Councillor Gary Mulvaney, policy lead, financial services and major projects, said: “This development not only offers a first class facility for residents and visitors, it provides vital skills and training to the next generation, and support for the local economy now when it needs it.

“With ongoing Covid restrictions, it has taken a huge team effort from the council, Heron Bros and our internal and external design consultants to get us to this important milestone.

“It is remarkable to think of the progress to date considering the back office staff behind the Waterfront Development are working remotely to deliver the project.

“The progress achieved in the face of considerable challenge is a testament to the power of partnership and professionalism. Congratulations to everyone involved.”

Pictured from L-R: Jamie McBride (Placement Engineer, Heron Bros.), Cathal Heron (Regional Director, Heron Bros.), Pippa Milne (Chief Executive, Argyll and Bute Council) , Daniel Green (Apprentice Engineer, Heron Bros.)

The project is creating vital training and experience for people starting out with their careers. Both Heron Bros. and The Argyll & Bute Council offer a number of work placements and opportunities including; Apprenticeships in civil engineering, stonemasonry, joinery, plumbing and electrician, trainee quantity surveyors and civil engineering graduates.

Over 80 people on site enjoyed a breakfast to mark the one year anniversary event before the local dignitaries were given a tour and an update on the progress that has been made.

One year after construction began, the main building is structurally complete, with the external Lomond stone blockwork and glazing installed, there are new flood defences for the town and landscaping is well underway.

As the main contractor we are proud to be supporting a number of community projects within the Argyll & Bute area having supported many local charities and having supplied materials to help initiatives such as the Helensburgh Community Centre.

We look forward to leaving a lasting legacy in the Helensburgh area with these state-of-the-art leisure facilities in such a stunning location overlooking the Clyde.