The Ardrishaig North Public Realm improvements is one of 6 projects that was selected to be taken forward through the Tarbert and Lochgilphead Regeneration Fund.
The John Smith Memorial Garden and adjoining open space and car parks are important public spaces in the heart of Ardrishaig, lying between Chalmers Street and Loch Gilp, and extending south from the public halls. Thanks to the Tarbert and Lochgilphead Regeneration Fund, Crown Estate Scotland, HiTrans, Scottish Government and Sustrans funding Argyll and Bute Council had the opportunity to deliver improvements to the area during 2022-23.
It had been a long term aspiration of local residents and community organisations in Ardrishaig to see these spaces be made more attractive including provision of better space for community events, improvements to the car parks and upgrading of the paths and landscaping.
Following several rounds of public consultation, the improvements included:
- A new public space adjacent to the North Hall;
- An improved waterside walkway with seating and a new lochside viewing area;
- Improvements to the public garden between the two car parks;
- Retention and reorganisation of the existing north car park including additional disabled parking;
- Installation of dropped kerbs and paving to make access easier for all;
- Relocation of the bus stop to enable a crossing to the Public Hall and better links towards the Crinan Canal; and
- Improved accessibility for the Argyll Sea Kayak Trail making it easier for kayakers to go between Loch Fyne and the Crinan Canal.
Public consultation
The designs were informed by a steering group which included community representation from Ardrishaig Community Council and Ardrishaig Community Trust. Public consultation events open to everybody took place in September 2019 and June 2020, the latter online due to government restrictions in relation to Covid-19. A dedicated website detailing the proposals and enabling interested parties to have their say was established. The information provided helped to shape the final design which seeks to deliver the key elements which the local community said were important to them.
You can read the consultation report from the June 2020 consultation.
The planning application for the final design was submitted in April 2021, reference number 21/00868/PP, with approval being granted on 30th September 2021. Details of the planning application and the decision can be viewed here.
Our funders
The project is funded by Argyll and Bute Council’s Tarbert and Lochgilphead Regeneration Fund, The Crown Estate Scotland, Sustrans, The Green Infrastructure Fund and HiTrans.
Contact details
Anna Watkiss
Email: anna.watkiss@argyll-bute.gov.uk
Phone: 01546 604344
