THERE'S little more than a week left for people interested in taking on the running of the pioneering new pavilion at Hermitage Park in Helensburgh – but you'll need deep pockets to do so.

Would-be bidders are being asked to commit to a 10-year lease on the new facility – at an annual rent of at least £25,000.

Argyll and Bute Council has set a closing date of Friday, October 26 at 12 noon for expressions of interest in leasing the new facility, which is being built by Helensburgh firm Stewart & Shields and is expected to be completed next month.

A spokeswoman for the local authority said: “This is a fantastic opportunity to get in at the beginning of an exciting venture that is part of the social and economic development of Helensburgh.

“Hermitage Park is now firmly back at the heart of the community, in all its glory, after a £3.6m restoration and redevelopment by the council and the Friends of Hermitage Park Association.”

The proposed tenant will be required to manage the building’s public toilets, while a kiosk connected to the café can be included in the lease or let separately.

A key area in which the eventual tenant will be able to save cash is through heating bills, since the building’s energy-saving design will use around 90 per cent less heating energy compared to conventional buildings.

The pavilion will be the first commercial property in Scotland built to Passivhaus design standards.

This reduces the transfer of heat through walls, floors and the roof, meaning that even in winter, minimal heating is required, with most of the demand covered by 'passive' sources such as the sun (when it shines!), the building's appliances and even people inside the facility.

The council said in a statement: “Overlooking the children’s playpark, the Pavilion incorporates an attractive café, with fitted, commercial kitchen.

"Its close proximity to the pedestrian access from Sinclair Street will encourage passing trade.

"There is also a kiosk which can be incorporated within the café or let on a separate basis.”

For more details see argyll-bute.gov.uk/property/hermitage-park-pavilion or email estates@argyll-bute.gov.uk.