Bidders for Helensburgh waterfront site must include skatepark

Council bosses have told seven finalists for the so-called "grey area" between West Clyde Street and Helensburgh Leisure Centre must accommodate 350 square metres for the skate park.

But the seven bidders who have made it through to the next stage of the process have also been warned that there is no spare capacity at the nearest electrical substation to the site - meaning any potential developer will have to factor in the potentially significant cost of providing additional infrastructure.

One of the parties to have made it through to the next stage of the process - the invitation to submit a formal bid for the site - is Helensburgh Community Council (HCC), whose members were told the news that their expression of interest had reached the shortlist at a meeting on September 28.

HCC has said for years that the land should be of use to the community, and has consistently argued that the town's residents are opposed to a large retail development on the site, because of the potential damage to views and local small businesses.

READ MORE: Helensburgh Skatepark Project sparks fierce public debate

At last week's meeting, HCC vice-convener Peter Brown presented a letter from commercial agents Avison Young, who are managing the bidding process, and outlined three major factors all the finalists would have to consider.

The process has been shrouded in deep secrecy and it's the first time council requirements have been exposed.

The letter states that Argyll and Bute Council "completed their public engagement exercise" and HCC ha been selected as a finalist.

They said three "issues" should be "taken into consideration when making your bid".

The letter, read out by Mr Brown at the meeting, said: "There was a skate park on the waterfront site before the redevelopment commenced and it was a planning condition that this be reinstated as part of the Leisure Centre consent.

READ MORE: Helensburgh waterfront site 'not suitable for skate park'

"it is anticipated that it will be a planning requirement that this is incorporated within the commercial development area unless a suitable alternative site is found.

"The council is working with the group to seek alternative locations but at this stage the bidders should consider that an area of 350 square metres or thereby will require to be reserved within the site for the skatepark unless further advised.

"Bidders will not be required to develop the facility or provide equipment, just to reserve an area within the site."

But the letter also states: "Scottish Power Energy Networks (SPEN) have advised that there is no spare capacity available within the existing substations on the site and therefore any additional supply will require additional infrastructure to be provided."

The old skatepark equipment is currently piled up and behind fencing at the waterfront (Image: Newsquest)

A third point states council's roads department require 36 car parking spaces within any commercial development area - in addition to the spaces already provided at the leisure centre.

The seven finalists - which the council previously said included international interest - must submit their bids by 12 noon on December 6.

Mr Brown said the requirement for infrastructure, even if not providing retail, "seems odd".

He said a HCC bid was a "significant thing for us to consider".

He added: "We will not be able to do this on our own."

Councillor Fiona Howard cautioned the community council, saying: "Perhaps you shouldn't be discussing in public. It's a private bid."

But Mr Brown replied: "I would welcome this to be as open and public as possible.

"I think we have done really well to get this far."

Community councillor Polly Jones said it was "fantastic" that the skate park had been recognised as a core element of the site.

HCC must now submit information such as proposals for a revenue stream for the site, details of a non-refundable 10% deposit for the purchase of the land, their experience and track record.

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Feedback from Argyll and Bute Council raised questions about how HCC planned to pay for the initial outlay and ongoing maintenance, as well as who would operate the site. Public consultation supported open space, but ess the idea of allotments, or what would happen to outdoor facilities off season.

Jackie Hood, with Helensburgh Skatepark Project, said: "We are absolutely delighted to learn that the future of the town’s skatepark has been secured. 

"We are pleased that this area is to be reserved for the skate park and that all bidders have been made aware of it. 

"All of us involved with the project, whose goal is to bring a great permanent skate park to Helensburgh for all to enjoy, would like to thank everyone for their continued support.

"The waterfront has always been our preferred location for the park due to the economic and tourism benefits this will bring our town unless somewhere equally viable can be found. 

"We will continue to work with the council to secure a permanent solution but in the short term we are excited to get the temporary replacement equipment up and running as soon as possible. 

"Unit 23 Skatepark are currently constructing the ramps and we hope these will be ready shortly."