ROOF repairs on Helensburgh Leisure Centre are expected to be complete by October, a report has revealed.
But a definitive timescale for the full or partial reopening of the facility cannot be given, while the lift in the centre has been deemed to require full replacement.
“Minor delays” to internal works which were due to begin last month have also been highlighted in the report.
The centre has lain unused since January 2025, when Storm Eowyn ripped off parts of the roof. Argyll and Bute Council has provided updates on its website, with the most recent being on Monday, June 1.
Councillor Ross Moreland (Liberal Democrat, Dunoon), the council’s policy lead for commercial services, gave an update in his report for a full council meeting on Wednesday, June 24.
He said: “Roof replacement works continue to make strong progress, with the initial roof build-up across phases 1–5 now complete and phase 6 currently underway.
“Subject to weather conditions, this phase is expected to complete in early June, after which installation of the final outer layer roofing system – called Kalzip – will commence sequentially across all six phases. Overall, roofing works remain on programme for completion by end of October 2026.
“Progress is also being made in relation to the internal reinstatement works now that the building is watertight. Discussions regarding the internal works package and associated contractor appointments have now concluded and have been submitted to the loss adjuster for approval.
“As previously reported, this remains a complex storm damage remediation project rather than a new-build development, and a number of unforeseen issues have emerged as further specialist investigations have progressed.
“Some internal works originally scheduled to commence in May have been subject to minor delay as we have identified that the specialist paint used for pool environments has prevented rainwater which worked behind the plaster/plasterboard walls from drying out as anticipated.
“Moisture has been found deeper within plaster/plasterboard than originally surveyed and requires additional strip-out and reinstatement works beyond the originally envisaged scope.”
Councillor Moreland added: “In addition, assessments have confirmed that the building lift requires full replacement. Procurement of a replacement lift is subject to an extended lead-in period, and the project team is working closely with the loss adjuster to secure the necessary approvals and progress procurement at the earliest opportunity.
“A definitive timescale for the full reopening of the leisure centre cannot be provided at this stage as the programme of internal works is being finalised.
“The full reopening will be beyond the completion of the roof, in October, and opportunities to partially reopen and reinstate the pool at an earlier date will continue to be explored but are dependent on electrical and plant being functional across the building as well as repairs in the pool area being resolved.”
