COUNCIL officials continue to expect to reopen Helensburgh Leisure Centre by March 2026 at the latest, it has been reported.
A councillor read an update during a meeting which indicated that the initial prediction for the centre’s reopening remained on course.
The seafront facility has been unused since January, when Storm Eowyn ripped off sections of the roof. It is also reported that the placing of a temporary roof is ahead of schedule.
Councillor Fiona Howard (Labour, Helensburgh Central) read out an update at a meeting of Argyll and Bute Council’s Helensburgh and Lomond community planning group on Tuesday, November 11.
She read: “The council agreed in June to provide £455,000 to support Live Argyll while the leisure centre is repaired. The temporary gym has been set up and is being supported by some of that funding.
“The building is insured and staff are continuing to work with the insurers, loss adjusters and specialists. Surveys have been completed and will continue to be required as the project moves forward.
“Safety work, analysis and protection works have gone on since the storm, a lot of which is not visible to the public. Scaffolding had to be specially designed to fit the requirements of the building.
“Installation of temporary roof coverings is ahead of schedule and is expected to make the building wind and watertight, allowing internal works to begin.
“The latest contractual programme forecasts that it will be open by the end of March. Once the temporary roof covering is in place, we will provide an update.
“Regular updates will be published and we have requested they start to include photos with the updates, so we can see what is happening and get a better understanding of the challenges.”
