Cafe plan for park
Published 12 Jan 2012 09:30
PLANS for a family-friendly cafe and children's play area at Kidston Park have been revealed.
Gare Loch View Ltd proposes converting the existing public toilets into an "elegant building" and hopes it will boost visitor numbers to the town.
Last summer, Argyll and Bute Council sought bids for the regeneration of the public toilet building. Concerns have been raised over the adequacy of the facility for some time.
A spokesman for the applicant said the bid and initial proposals for a family-friendly cafe, external terrace and outdoor toddlers play area, was deemed to be the most attractive by the council.
He said: "The design objective is to provide a simple, elegant building which fits in with the surroundings and environment and is a positive addition to the park.
"The enclosed toddlers' play area provides a safe environment for children whilst enabling parents to enjoy the facility. A new timber screen entrance with planting replaces the demolished disabled toilet at car park level, creating a focal point for the new cafe with the addition of a new stair and ramp.
"Kidston Park is a popular destination for walkers on the promenade and the park is well-used by both residents and visitors. This new family facility will hopefully increase the potential to bring more visitors to the town and add to Helensburgh's attractive mix of places to eat, drink and relax."
But not everybody is happy with the design. Helensburgh Community Council has submitted its views to the council and say that although members support the improvement of Kidston Park, they believe the design is "bland".
In their submission, members say the design should be more distinctive due to its "landmark location" in the town.
This article appeared in Helensburgh Advertiser 12 Jan 12
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