The progress of the Helensburgh Waterfront Development has taken a huge step forward with the appointment of specialist support to assist Argyll and Bute Council’s in-house team deliver design and cost management services for the ambitious project.

Darnton B3 Architects, in partnership with civil, structural and geotechnical engineers, Patrick Parsons and Hirst Landscape Architects, has been awarded the contract to provide design support, car parking, lighting and flood defences for the leisure centre. DarntonB3 team is experienced individually and collectively and has a proven track record in the delivery of similar buildings in prominent townscape contexts.

Patrick Parsons, will be providing civil and structural engineering services, as well as amenity lighting services for the development. The firm, who have extensive experience in the leisure industry, will also be working in close collaboration with the council’s flooding team and in-house engineers to design and deliver the new car park and flood defences.

The contract to provide cost management support services for the Waterfront Development project has been awarded to Robinson Low Francis. The company brings invaluable previous experience to the project, having been involved in the Waterfront Development value engineering exercise in 2015 and as cost consultants for the CHORD public realm work in Helensburgh town centre.

Councillor Gary Mulvaney, Argyll and Bute Council’s Policy Lead for Strategic Finance and Capital Regeneration Programme said:

“We have a great team of in-house professionals in the fields of project management, architecture, engineering and quantity surveying, and I am pleased that we have appointed such capable and experienced companies, to work alongside them to drive forward what will be a wonderful asset for the town and the surrounding area.

“It is an extremely complex and technical project involving building a new leisure centre, including a 6 lane x 25m pool, flood defences and public realm and environmental improvements such as better lighting, public spaces and a walkway around the pier head.

“Our focus remains on delivering a facility of the highest quality which will benefit the whole community.”

Councillor Ellen Morton, Chair of the Helensburgh and Lomond Area Committee, said:

“We recognise the importance of engagement in the development of the project and the local community will be asked for their input into the refinement of the design to ensure the building is fit for purpose and meets the requirements of its users.   

“As a council we are committed to continuing to improve the area for residents and attracting new people and businesses to Argyll and Bute. The regenerated town centre and projects such as the Waterfront Development, the redevelopment of Hermitage Park, and the Helensburgh and Lomond Civic Centre are making a real and positive contribution.”

Bob Ramage, of DarntonB3 Architecture, said:

“The assembled team from DarntonB3 Architecture is delighted to be involved in the delivery of this exciting and prestigious project and looking forward to working collaboratively with the wider project team all aspects of project procurement and delivery.”

Robin McCartney, Associate Director of multi-disciplinary consulting engineering firm, Patrick Parsons, said: “We’re thrilled that Patrick Parsons has been appointed as part of the design team for this impressive project that will have a positive impact on the local community and attract people to the area.”

Dorothy Robertson, Partner with Robinson Low Francis, said: “We are delighted to be appointed to the Waterfront Development. We look forward to working with Argyll and Bute Council on this prestigious project.”

Both contracts were awarded following the evaluation of tenders and an interview process.