WORK has started to install a temporary roof and repair the damage at Helensburgh Leisure Centre, Argyll and Bute Council has announced.
The facility, which was opened in September 2022, has lain unused since January, when Storm Eowyn ripped off sections of the roof.
A permanent new roof is “in the final stages of development”, but the council’s latest update states that the process of repairs has begun in earnest.
The most recent estimate of when the centre could reopen has been potentially as late as March 2026.
The council’s statement said: “The substantial amount of scaffolding needed is now fully in place around all four sides of the leisure centre, with a total length of approximately 220 metres — about the same as two full-size football pitches laid end to end.
“This has been a complex operation, requiring scaffolding to be specially designed to fit the requirements of the building such as the need to extend over the flood defence rock armour.
“With scaffolding in place, our contractor can now safely access the roof, carry out detailed assessments and work with bulky materials.
“Work has started on removing damaged parts of the roof and installing the temporary roof. As this progresses, we will begin removing the water capture system that was initially installed.
“Once wind and watertight, we will then carry out extensive internal surveys of the mechanical and electric systems throughout the building as well as the internal fabric, for example the plasterboard, wiring, heating systems, insultation, flooring etc.”
The statement added: “To satisfy health and safety requirements and so make it possible for this internal and external work to be done, we have also installed a temporary, wireless intruder and fire alarm system specifically for construction sites throughout the building.
“The plans for the new permanent roof are currently in the final stages of development.
“As previously advised, an external boundary is in place around the leisure centre which contains the contractor welfare cabins and office space. We will expand this area when the main roof works start to provide sufficient room for the large-scale roofing materials.”
At the council’s most recent full meeting on Wednesday, September 24, councillors called for updates to be issued more regularly.
