Helensburgh CHORD Project Updates

Helensburgh CHORD Project Updates

 


Update – April – June 2011

Over the last three months the Design Team has been working on securing the necessary final statutory consents to implement the design proposals for both the Town Centre and the West Bay Esplanade. 

In addition to the Planning approval for Colquhoun Square (reported in the last update), Listed Building Consents have recently been approved for the access ramps outside the Post Office and Municipal buildings. 

The Building Warrant has been approved for the refurbishment of the public conveniences on the Esplanade.

The Traffic Regulation Order advertised in April was well supported by the community.  There was only one objection, which has subsequently been withdrawn.   The Order will therefore be promoted post Full Business Case sign off. 

As a result, the Design Team and Project Manager are busy pulling together the Full Business Case to present to the Helensburgh CHORD Project Board, Programme Board and the Council’s Executive over the next three months.  By the end of September, we will hopefully be able to proceed with the procurement of a Contractor. We are aiming for a site start in February/March 2012, completion spring 2013.

The CHORD Project Board and Design Team would like to thank the Community for their support in helping to secure the necessary statutory approvals to implement the project.


 

Update - March 2011 - Design Exhibition

Artist Peter McCaughey will be in Helensburgh Library on Thursday 14 April from 2-5pm to talk through plans for the CHORD Public Art Strategy.  He is very interested to discuss how local stories from the community can be added into this process.  In particular, he is interested in stories about particular places in Helensburgh.

Do you have an object or artefact, photograph or drawing etc. that has a story attached, that tells something about Colquhoun Square, the esplanade or the wider town?  Do you know something interesting about the town centre that we might not know?  The stories can be of a small, local or personal scale, or big history - it's all of interest.

Our intention is to have a series of spaces dedicated to these contributions in Colquhoun Square and on the esplanade.

To find out more about this and other exciting initiatives, come along to Peter's talk and workshop at 2pm on April 14th in Helensburgh Library.


Update - March 2011

Planning approval has been granted for the Helensburgh CHORD Project.  An exhibition of the approved design will be held in Helensburgh Library from 11-15 April 2011, with members of the Design Team on hand to answer any questions on Thursday 14 April.  Details of the proposed Traffic Regulation Orders will also be on display.

Update - January/February 2011

During the last couple of months the Helensburgh CHORD Project Team has been busy working on securing the necessary statutory consents to implement the project.  As a result, the Planning Application for Colquhoun Square was submitted in early January.  A decision on the Application is due to be made mid March.  The Traffic Regulation Orders, required to implement the design, have been prepared and consultation with the Emergency Services, Councillors and Public Transport Groups  has commenced.  It is our intention to advertise the proposed Order late March.

In addition to the above, the Design Team has been fine tuning the design taking into account feedback received during the above consultations.  We are aiming to hold an exhibition in the Helensburgh Library week commencing 11 April showing the latest design along with details of the proposed Traffic Regulation Orders.  Members of the Design Team will be present on Thursday, 14 April to answer any questions.

A Press Release giving further details on the above exhibition will be issued at the end of March. 

As soon as we have secured the above statutory consents, hopefully by summer 2011, will be in a position to submit the Full Business Case to the CHORD Programme Management Board and the Executive for approval.  Following which we will begin the process of selecting a Contractor to undertake the works, estimated site start early 2012.

Update – November/December 2010

The detailed design for the Helensburgh CHORD project was approved by the CHORD Programme Board on Thursday, 2 December 2010.

Councillor Gary Mulvaney, Chair of the Helensburgh CHORD Project Board, said: “After several months of extensive consultation, I am delighted to unveil the detailed design for the Helensburgh CHORD Project. The design is visually attractive, creative and innovative but more importantly it is fit for purpose. It reflects the needs and aspirations of a town which wishes to move forward.

"The design team of Austin Smith Lord, have clearly listened to the people of Helensburgh and by working with them have come forward with a design which will enhance the town for residents, businesses and visitors alike.  This is a significant step in taking this project forward as planned.

Over the next few months the design team will be working towards securing the necessary statutory approval to implement the project. All going well, the Full Business Case will be presented to the CHORD Programme Management Board and the Council’s Executive for approval next summer, with works commencing on site early 2012.


Update – September/October 2010

During September and October the Design Team have been in discussion with Council Officers and special interest groups like the Helensburgh Tree Trust and Horticultural Society, Event Organisers, Contractors etc on the finer details of the project; ranging from material selection to traffic management and road engineering issues.

For those of you who attended the Helensburgh 2010 Exhibition in the Victoria Halls between the 6tth – 9th October you will have been able to see how the design has been taking shape, as the latest design (at that time) was on display.

The final detailed design will be presented to the CHORD Project Board on the 11 November and to the CHORD Programme Board on the 2 December for sign off. Once the design has been approved, it will be uploaded to the web site – watch this space!

The project is continuing to meet its key milestone dates (details on the front page) and most importantly, the design proposal that will presented to the above Boards is within budget.


Update – July/August 2010

Design


Following the Public Exhibition of the preferred design option in June, the Design Team have been busy refining the design to take account of feedback from both the community and stakeholders. We are aiming to present the detailed design to both the Helensburgh CHORD Project Board and the CHORD Programme Board for sign off mid October, following which formal statutory consultation will take place.

The detailed design will be on display at the Helensburgh 2010 Exhibition in the Victoria Halls between the 6th – 9th October 2010.

One Single Contract

Approval was given on the 5th August by the CHORD Programme Board to deliver the CHORD projects as One Single Contract. As a result, it is anticipated that both the Town Centre and Esplanade works will be completed by late 2012 /early 2013 as opposed to autumn 2013. See the Project Key Milestones schedule for further details.

Flooding Issues

During the public consultation phase of the Helensburgh CHORD project a recurring theme raised was the continued flooding of the West Bay Esplanade and the adjacent stretch of West Clyde Street. This position statement is aimed at clarifying the extent with which the Helensburgh CHORD project will address issues of flooding.  

  • Enhancing the flood defences along the West Bay Esplanade is outside of the scope of the Helensburgh CHORD project and the Design Team’s remit;
  • The Design Team are aware of the issues associated with the site and their design will take due cognisance of the conditions to which the Esplanade is subjected. The design proposals will not exacerbate the current issues and where possible will aim to reduce the problem through increased drainage provision along West Clyde Street to help drain flood water away more effectively;
  • The design, materials and street furniture will have been assessed to ensure they take account of the adverse weather conditions;
  • An independent assessment of the proposed design will be undertaken by Marine Engineers to advise on issues relating to material selection, existing and proposed drainage along West Clyde Street – tidal gullies, proposed topography and wave protection measures that could be incorporated into the landscape design.

Update – June 2010

Report from the Public Exhibition – 21-25 June 2010

The public exhibition of the preferred design option, held in the Helensburgh library between June 21-25, was overall well received. 
86% of respondents were ‘pleased’ with the design proposals for Colquhoun Square and the West Bay Esplanade; between 71 -78% were ‘pleased’ with the designs for East and West Princes St and Sinclair Street; and 68% were ‘pleased’ with the proposals for West Clyde Street.

The majority of respondents also supported the Traffic Management proposals. 46% of respondents were pleased with the proposed parking arrangements, 29% were indifferent, 18% displeased and 7% made no response.

The design team are currently reviewing the completed comment sheets and speaking to key stakeholders and statutory consultees. In turn, they will be refining the preferred design accordingly as the projects moves to detailed design stage, which is due to be completed by September 2010.

The next project update will be at the end of August/beginning of September when we hope to be able to share with you the updated design which will include information on the likely palette of materials and street furniture.

In the meantime, please contact Helen Ford on 07879 641 415 if you wish to discuss any aspect of the project.

 


Update - May 2010

During March and April of 2010, various methods of community engagement were used including a postcard drop to 7,000 households in Helensburgh, 8 design appraisal workshops, 2 future walks, and 2 gazebo days on Colquhoun Square. In all cases, the public and stakeholders were asked to provide feedback on the proposals. More than 200 people stopped at the 2nd gazebo day in Colquhoun Square on Monday 3rd May to have a look at the proposals.

"The key factor has been the need to collaborate with the community. They have informed us throughout the process and we have taken on board what they have said.” (Graham Ross, from architects Austin Smith: Lord)

As a result, we are now delighted to unveil the emerging preferred design proposal for the Helensburgh CHORD public realm projects.

The Emerging Design

People were asked to identify the priority areas for improvement in Helensburgh. These included the west bay, West Clyde Street, and the area around Helensburgh Central train station and Colquhoun Square.

The key issues that people wanted improved were the pedestrian environment in the town and the focal points. There will be no net loss of car parking spaces, which means that pedestrians can be catered for in Helensburgh as well as those who use their vehicles. There has also been a focus on improving linkages to the beach and esplanade and crossing points at junctions.

  • Two way system maintained throughout the project area;
  • Widening pavements and reduced carriageways in the main streets within the boundary area i.e. West Princes St; East Princes outside station and West Clyde St;
  • Shared surface event space at Colquhoun Square with through traffic and trees;
  • Formalised parking and service bays in south Sinclair St with widening pavements where feasible;
  • Movement of bus stops to outside Helensburgh Central Station, additional taxi rank;
  • Re-line of Sinclair St car park resulting in 15/20 more parking spaces;
  • Colquhoun St both north and south – local and service access only with restricted road width;
  • Removal of pavement on south side of West Clyde Street, improved pedestrian crossing points, reduced carriageway widths;
  • Esplanade – new toilets, events areas, putting green, play and picnic areas, feature sitting wall.

An exhibition of the preferred option is scheduled for June 21-25 in the Helensburgh library.


Update - March 2010

We launched our Community Engagement Programme for the Helensburgh Projects on 26th February, with the issue of postcards distributed to the community by the Community Advertiser. Unfortunately, the response rate has been disappointing. However, we have had a better response to the listening workshops we held on the 8th and 9th of March, and to the Future Walk events on Saturday 27th March. Details of the outcomes of those events will be posted on the website soon.

The next event is the Options Appraisal Workshops on the 12th and 13th of April, in the West Kirk Church. If you would like to come along please contact Helen Ford or Michael Ward on 0141 248 9233, or by email at helensburghchord@turleyassociates.co.uk.

The Design Team will also be in Colquhoun Square in the town centre on Monday 3rd May, seeking people's views on the design options which have emerged from the listening events which took place in March - please stop by and tell us what you think. 


Update - January 2010

Since their appointment in mid December the Design Team have been busy getting up to speed with the projects by collating and reviewing previous reports, studies and technical information. They have undertaken a Site Walk around, commenced their Site Analysis and Historic Research - all in preparation for beginning engaging with the key stakeholders and the wider community next month.

I suspect some of you may be thinking “What more consultation, can’t we just see something happen?”

It is true there has been some consultation on both projects but that was to enable us to come forward with ideas/conceptual designs to secure funding. Now that the £6.66m has been approved we need to, through community engagement, develop designs for implementation. Over the next few months, there will be plenty of opportunity for all users of the Town Centre and Esplanade to express their views and comments. Please take the time to tell us what you think.

Details of who, how , when and where we will engage will be published on the website in the next couple of weeks.


Update 2 - December 2009

The Design Team and Quantity Surveyor have now been appointed to design and cost both of the Helensburgh CHORD regeneration projects. Urban Designer's Austin Smith Lord, supported by Savell Bird and Axon (Transport Engineer), O'Connor Sutton Cronin (Civil/ Structural Engineers), Turley Associates (Planning/ Consultation), and Wave (Artist/ Consultation) will take the project proposals forward to Full Business Case stage.


Update - December 2009

The selection process for both the appointment of the Design Team and Quantity Surveyors for the two Helensburgh projects has now been completed. Following the statutory 10 day standstill period (which ends on 11th December), formal appointment letters will be issued along with a press release announcing the successful Practices.

Details on Community Engagement will be announced in January.


Update - October 2009

The selection process for both the appointment of the Design Team and Quantity Surveyors for the two Helensburgh CHORD projects has entered Stage 2. A shortlist of 10 Design Teams and 8 Quantity Surveying Practices are currently preparing their Tender submissions, which are due to be submitted on the 13th and 20th November 2009, respectively. The submissions will then be scored and the top three will be invited for interview. The announcement of the successful Design Team and QS Practice is expected to be made before the end of the year.

 


Initial Project Update

Outline Business Cases (OBC’s) for all the CHORD projects were approved by the Council on 27 November 2008. The Project Initiation Document (PID) for this project was approved by the Council’s Executive Committee on 18th June 2009, and a Full Business Case is now being prepared.

A Project Manager was appointed to take this forward. We plan to have community consultation in Spring 2010, with an aim to securing planning permission by early 2011. We hope to begin construction in late 2011, with an anticipated completion date of Spring 2013.

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