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 forward in taking this project forward as planned. Over the next few months Helen Ford, the Helensburgh CHORD Project Manager, and the Design Team will be working towards securing the necessary statutory approvals to implement the project. All going well, works could commence on site early 2012”.

The Helensburgh CHORD Project is part of Argyll and Bute Council’s far-reaching £30million CHORD programme.

CHORD (Campbeltown, Helensburgh, Oban, Rothesay and Dunoon) aims to assist regeneration and economic development in five of Argyll and Bute’s key waterfront towns.

In Helensburgh, the plans involve developing a more vibrant, attractive and sustainable town centre and waterfront at the West Bay Esplanade.

The aim is to provide the people who live, work and visit the town with an attractive environment for shopping, relaxing, and generally socialising.

The anticipated increased footfall would bring benefit to business in the town by capturing a greater share of the retail and leisure markets. It would also enhance developer interest in Helensburgh as a place to invest.

The Full Business Case for Helensburgh CHORD Project is due to complete by summer 2011. It will then be submitted to the CHORD Programme Management Board and the Council’s Executive for approval to move to project implementation.