At Tuesday’s area committee meeting, councillors heard the estimated £1.3 million project at Craigendoran Pier – which was highlighted in an SPT-funded study – ‘will not be taken forward’ following discussions with the landowner.

Instead, the focus has turned to the gasometer site at Maitland Street, which was demolished earlier this summer by Scottish Gas Network (SGN).

It is estimated the site could produce about 57 parking spaces.

Council officials are currently in talks with SGN about a valuation of the site and confirmation of the site’s ‘geotechnical condition’.

Moya Ingram, strategic transportation manager, presented a report which stated the outline designs for potential car park layouts have been undertaken and once a detailed valuation and cost estimate for the car park are known a source for funding will require to be identified.

It added: “The site would be advantageous due to its close proximity to the town centre and early discussions with SPT regarding potential funding source have been positive.” Car parking has proved to be a bone of contention for the area committee because based on the revised Pier Head Master plan it is anticipated there will be a loss of approximately 190 car park spaces from the existing site. Although 10 additional spaces will be provided after the CHORD works are complete.

Another 50 parking spaces will also be created by forming additional parking on Station Road at Craigendoran, at a cost of £5,000 Some councillors questioned the need to formalise the car parking as people already park at the site.

Councillor Richard Trail said: “People park there just now, what value is there in painting in lines for car parking spaces at a cost of £5,000. We don’t do it in the town centre why do we need to do it there?” However, the council officer said drivers would feel more secure leaving their cars in a designated area with delineated lines.