Phase one of Oban’s public realm improvements set to be finished by May

Today’s meeting of the Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Committee agreed the financial package to deliver the works

Contractor to be appointed in early December

Oban is set to benefit from over £2million of public realm improvements along Stafford Street and into parts of George Street, Queen’s Park Place and Station Square. The work will be split into two phases, with the Stafford Street improvements going ahead as the first phase from December to May.

At today’s meeting of the Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Committee members agreed to recommend to council the release of the necessary funds for phase one, from the overall Oban CHORD budget, to deliver these vital improvements in time for next year’s tourist season. This recommendation is set to be considered at the full council meeting on 27th November.

We have recently completed the tender process and expect to appoint the preferred contractor in early December. Prior to a site start the contractor will meet with the traders on Stafford Street to discuss the proposed programme of works and how best to minimise disruption during the construction stage. We are well aware that December is a busy trading time which is why the only works likely to be carried out before Christmas will be diversionary works by BT. The granite and other building materials will be ordered, arriving in time for the construction works between January and May 2015.

The improvements to Stafford Street will provide the people of Oban with a fabulous terraced space to sit, relax and view the bay; a flexible open area (with power and Wi-Fi) for small scale events and a shelter with inlaid artwork and ornamental colour changing LED lighting.  We will be keeping people informed of the progress of works both on the council website and in the local papers so keep an eye out for more information.

Phase two, from Stafford Street to George Street, Queen’s Park Place and Station Square, is expected to begin in September 2015, with a view to completion by May 2016.

The design for Station Square provides a shared surface, flexible space for occasional events; a widened seaside footway; an improved shelter for bus passengers; flexible seating; ornamental planting; LED lighting similar to Stafford Street; like-for-like provision for taxis and a new plinth for the clock tower.

George Street and Queen’s Park Place will see bespoke seating areas, including planting and decorative lighting; an improved footway on the seafront; refurbished railings and replacement lighting along the sea wall.