ONE year on from Storm Eowyn, its effects on Helensburgh Leisure Centre have resulted in a cost of nearly £63,000 to council officials.
A Freedom of Information request to Argyll and Bute Council has revealed the amount resulting from removal, relocation and storage of fitness equipment.
Figures relating to moving the gym to Helensburgh Library on West King Street, and moving the library equipment to Hermitage Park Pavilion, have also been revealed.
However, the authority was not able to confirm how much has been spent on repairs to the Waterfront building since parts of its roof were ripped off by the storm on January 24, 2025.
Work is continuing with the council’s insurers on the costs of repairs, with a further public update expected to be issued by the authority next week.
The Local Democracy Reporting Service submitted a freedom of information request on several points, including the cost of maintenance and repair, the removal of roof materials scattered by the storm, and the temporary roof which was installed in November.
A council response said some of the information is “not held”, and as such, part of the request was refused.
The council official added: “However… I can advise that the council is currently working with its insurers in regard to the costs of repair and that it is an ongoing matter with the repair process already underway.
“Maintenance is generally considered to be the process undertaken whilst a building is operational. Helensburgh Leisure Centre is not operational at this point and is currently in the process of being repaired with the entirety of the site under the control of appointed construction contractor Galliford Try FM.”
Figures were returned in relation to the gym equipment’s move to the library, and the library’s move to the pavilion.
The biggest individual spend was nearly £22,000 on construction costs for library works, while over £15,000 had to be spent on repairs to water-damaged gym equipment. Nearly £13,000 was spent on moving gym equipment from the leisure centre to the library.
Four-figure sums were also spent on planning applications for the two site moves, and on consultation for moving the gym to the library.
An Argyll and Bute Council spokesperson said: “We are continuing to make progress on Helensburgh Leisure Centre and remain committed to opening the building as soon as it is safe and practicable.
“We are currently considering the findings of a series of detailed condition surveys and will publish our updated monthly progress report next week. We are continuing to liaise with our insurers regarding the repair costs.
“During these works, alternative arrangements have been made so that Live Argyll can continue to operate a gym and full programme of exercise classes each week in alternative temporary locations.”
The council’s most recent update on the leisure centre repairs was issued on Christmas Eve, when it said: “Although our current working estimate suggests that Helensburgh Leisure Centre could re-open by the end of March 2026, this date is provisional and may be revised once further assessments are complete.”
