THE first image showing how Helensburgh’s brand new waterfront leisure centre could look has been released this week.

The digital impression will form part of a 12-week “pre-application” consultation on Argyll and Bute Council’s £18 million redevelopment of the town’s waterfront – with the leisure centre at its heart.

That formal 12-week consultation period begins on Monday, February 26 – when presentation materials will go on display at the Victoria Halls, Helensburgh Library and Helensburgh Swimming Pool.

People will also be able to view detailed design proposals for the waterfront, and speak to the team behind the project, at three public events, taking place in March, April and May.

In addition to the new swimming pool and leisure centre, the waterfront regeneration plan also features parking and public realm improvements and strengthened flood defences.

Councillor Ellen Morton, chair of the authority’s Helensburgh and Lomond area committee, said: “The Helensburgh Waterfront Development project is all about creating a vibrant and attractive waterfront for the town that will benefit local people and, by attracting day visitors, local businesses.

“We want to involve communities as much as possible so are going beyond what is required by the planning process. I would encourage everyone to get involved.”

The drop-in events will take place on Monday, March 26, Monday, April 30 and Wednesday, May 16 – all at the Victoria Halls, and all between 11am and 7pm.

Helensburgh Central councillor Gary Mulvaney, the authority’s policy lead for strategic finance and capital regeneration, said: “We would like to progress it with local people as well as for them, and so would welcome hearing views on design proposals.”

The pre-application consultation is required as part of the planning process for all major developments.