COUNCIL officials could be closer to identifying a target reopening date for Helensburgh Leisure Centre next month, it has been reported.
Argyll and Bute Council has reported that the facility is now wind and watertight, with contractors due to visit and consider options for reopening the swimming pool.
The building has also had to be stripped out internally more than planned due to dampness issues, while the newly-designed roof is being installed.
The leisure centre has been closed since January 2025, when Storm Eowyn ripped off parts of the roof.
In the update, the council said: “The heating in the building continues to be applied to dry out areas of the building and strip out works started in July for a period of 12 weeks.
“As outlined previously, moisture tests had discovered damp in parts of the building not previously identified, so down takings have been more extensive than originally planned.
“It is essential that these issues are addressed now to prevent longer-term problems in future years. Mechanical and electrical apparatus that is being stripped is being tested and salvaged where possible.
“Now that the building is wind and watertight, specialist swimming pool contractors will visit on August 28 to review the works completed to date, carry out a survey, and consider options for reopening the pool as soon as it is safe and compliant to do so.
“Overall costs and programme are being reviewed with the building insurer and loss adjuster. It is not possible to forecast a full reopening date at this point, however more detail will be available for update in September.
“The council continues to work closely with the loss adjuster to progress this complex storm damage remediation project and minimise delays.”
The report added: “As previously outlined, the newly designed roof is being installed in six distinct phases with the works commencing to the northwest corner.
“During July and into August the final phase was completed and final section of the Kalzip top sheet has now been installed. All purlins (horizontal beams) have also been installed and the second fix roof works including flashings and details around service penetrations (rooflights, flues, vents and rainwater goods) have started.
“These are finer and more detailed works that are not as visible from street level as the installation of the much larger Kalzip sheets.
“The building has been regular inspected and no water penetration has been observed. During September and October, the second fix roofing and finishing works will complete with scaffold dropped if weather conditions remain favourable.
“It is anticipated that car parking spaces to the east will be reopened once all materials and scaffolding is cleared.”
