HELENSBURGH residents have had their first glimpse of progress at the ongoing multi-million-pound waterfront development.

The project, which will include a swimming pool, leisure centre and enhanced flood defences for the area, is taking shape with rock armour in place for sea defences, and foundation piles and ground beams prepared for steel works arriving in November.

Key partners involved in the project including local councillors and LIVE Argyll joined contractors, Heron Bros Ltd for a tour of the site and to officially break the ground.

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Cathal Heron, regional director of Heron Bros, said: “We had the pleasure of inviting the local council and Live Argyll to the sod cutting at the Helensburgh waterfront development.

“Being in the midst of a global pandemic has brought with it many challenges which our staff and sub-contractors have worked tirelessly to overcome and adapt. We have efficient working practices in place to allow work to carry on whilst also following the guidelines in place.

“Heron Bros are very happy to be working closely with Argyll and Bute Council to ensure this great project achieves its full potential for the people of Helensburgh.”

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Councillor Gary Mulvaney, policy lead for strategic finance and major projects, added: “Despite the challenge of a global pandemic, it is incredible to see the progress made on the site in just over a month.

“It’s even more incredible to think that work to get to this point so far has been completed during lockdown with all partners working under strict Covid restrictions.

“The tender process, commercial and technical evaluations and final council approval have all been done remotely which is a huge achievement.

“It’s fantastic to see the project gathering pace and we can look forward to watching the next steps of this superb asset for Helensburgh and the surrounding area take shape.”

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