WORK on the redevelopment of Hermitage Park is on course to get under way by the end of the year, Helensburgh councillors have been told.

An update on the delivery of the project says that contractors are expected to be appointed next month, with work due to start in December for completion in June 2018.

Evaluation of the tender bids began this week after 21 companies responded to a pre-qualification questionnaire aimed at assessing firms' suitability to carry out aspects of the work.

The project will include the construction of a new pavilion and plaza in the park and the restoration of historic features such as the A-listed war memorial, Japanese garden and wishing well.

Hermitage Park development officer Melissa Simpson, in a report to members of Argyll and Bute Council's Helensburgh and Lomond area committee, said: "All match funding has been secured and HLF have granted permission to start the delivery project that will conserve and interpret the heritage within the

park and encourage visitors to learn about it, reconfigure part of the recreational facilities, and provide a dynamic hub through the development of a new pavilion and engage with people through working in partnership to ‘Grow Our Park Together’."

Ms Simpson's report also says detailed design work has been carried out to improve disabled access to the plaza area.

Speaking at the area committee's October meeting, Helensburgh Central councillor James Robb asked whether the potential for a new pedestrian crossing near the Sinclair Street entrance to the park was being considered as part of the project.

Senior development officer Arlene Cullum said the money awarded to the project included provision for a traffic management system, and that funds were available if it is decided that a crossing is needed.

A further report on traffic management is expected to be considered by the area committee at its next meeting in September.

As reported in the Advertiser in August, a £300,000 grant from the Sustrans Community Links programme completed the £3.3 million funding package for the park's redevelopment.

A multi-use sports facility also forms part of the upgrade work, and the park's children's play area will be moved and upgraded along with celebrations of the park's heritage, including the remains of Milligs Mill, which led to the founding of the town.

The largest single funding award for the project is a grant of £2.3 million from the Heritage Lottery Fund, with other contributions, in addition to the Sustrans grant, coming from the council's own earmarked reserves (£280,000), the MoD's Armed Forces Covenant (£253,000), the War Memorial Trust (£60,000) and the Friends of Hermitage Park Association (£20,000).

The funding package is completed by volunteer support in kind which is estimated to be worth £129,340.