The design team for Dunoon’s waterfront is making good progress. After extensive consultation they have presented options for each of the four main parts of the plan to the project board at a workshop on Tuesday 30 August. The designs are for the Queen’s Hall, the roads, the ferry waiting room and the harbourmaster building and pier.

Improving the appearance and performance of the Queen’s Hall is seen as essential to the success of the waterfront project. One of the options for the building is extending and refurbishing it to accommodate a visitor and events attraction which would be suitable for wet weather which has been broadly welcomed. The design team will now progress the details of the proposals to be included in the full business case.

There are plans to simplify the roads around Dunoon’s waterfront and improve its appearance. Better planting and new lighting is also being looked into to create a much nicer environment for locals and visitors.

The initial design for the ferry waiting room and harbourmaster building has been based on the design approved at the time of the breakwater and linkspan development. This will now be looked at again to ensure it fits with the current ferry service and provides flexibility for service in the future. Improved travel information for ferry, bus and rail services within the building is being investigated.

The pier strategy is progressing with significant work undertaken to review previous structural assessments and potential repair costs. The design team will now work closely with Historic Scotland and other consultees to refine the options for the structure and potential uses for the pier buildings.

Councillor Bruce Marshall, Chair of the Dunoon CHORD Project Board is welcoming the work presented by the design. He said: ‘The options and design presented by the team offer an exciting opportunity for Dunoon to create a waterfront environment which will draw local people and visitors to the area to enjoy what is on offer. I look forward to seeing further development of the options presented and also to the delivery of the full business case in early 2012. When refined and implemented these impressive changes to the waterfront will be a major boost to Dunoon and act as a catalyst for further economic regeneration.

‘I am pleased that the study of Dunoon Pier has come up with an alternative option to demolition and that this wonderful iconic Victorian structure which is the last of its kind in Scotland, could be retained as the very important welcoming feature and marine gateway for visitors to Dunoon and the National Park’

The design options will be presented to the people of Dunoon at an open event in the next few weeks. Look out for more details in the local media.

For more information on the CHORD programme and the Dunoon waterfront project, please visit our website: http://www.argyll-bute.gov.uk/content/chord-town-centre-regeneration-projects