CLARITY on timescales to reopen Helensburgh Leisure Centre could be given at a full council meeting later this month.
The facility has lain unused since Storm Eowyn ripped off parts of the roof in January 2025. Work is currently taking place to restore the roof.
The convener of Helensburgh Community Council raised several questions at a council committee meeting, including whether councillors accepted the project is “significantly off track”.
A council officer responded that roof repairs were progressing well and were in line with expectations, adding that an update on timescales will be highlighted at Argyll and Bute Council’s next full meeting on Wednesday, June 24.
The discussion took place at a meeting of the council’s Helensburgh and Lomond area committee on Tuesday, June 9.
Community council convener Dr Peter Brown was unable to attend the meeting, with clerk Stuart McLean reading his questions on his behalf.
Mr McLean read: “Given that the council’s own updates show repeated slippage in the roof replacement programme, can councillors say when a firm final completion date will be published, and what is preventing it from being confirmed?
“Residents need clarity on when the leisure centre will open. What is realistically the earliest date for public access?
“Can the council identify which specific elements of the roof works, installation or internal works, are off programme? Has the council commissioned work to ensure works are robust?
“Will councillors commit to publishing fortnightly updates rather than narrative summaries that lack measurable detail?
“Do councillors accept the project is now significantly off track, and what accountability will be taken for the failure to deliver a functioning leisure centre for over a year?”
Mr McLean then read out a response on behalf of the council’s head of commercial services, Ross McLaughlin, which said: “Fortnightly updates continue to be published on a dedicated website, including regular photographic updates.
“As highlighted, the roof repair is progressing well and remains in line with expectations, informed by lessons learned from the previous installation.
“Works are weather dependent and can only be carried out when the weather conditions meet safety tolerances.
“The internal repairs works have presented some challenges reflecting complexities of the project. In response, elements have been carefully reviewed, with officers working alongside contractors.
“Further information on timescales will be provided by the project update page as soon as this is available, and will be highlighted at full council on June 24.
“The council will continue to work with liveArgyll, while looking to reinstate swimming provision at the earliest opportunity.
“In the interim, gym and fitness clubs continue to be delivered successfully through temporary facilities established at the Victoria Halls and Helensburgh Library.”
