THE community group leading the regeneration of Hermitage Park say it’s unlikely that the latest construction work will be finished this month – despite a confident prediction to the contrary from Argyll and Bute Council.

A report to the authority’s environment, development and infrastructure committee says that the second phase of the park’s £3.7 million regeneration – including landscaping, play park fencing and the return of the park’s much-loved play horse Cramberry – is on track to be finished by September 30.

But that forecast has been disputed by the Friends, who say there is still a good deal of work to be done.

And the new Argyll and Bute report, considered at a meeting in Lochgilphead on Thursday, also warns that the project may end up exceeding its budget.

The report says that tenancy arrangements for the new Passivhaus pavilion in the park “are being considered”.

READ MORE: 'Friends' admit frustration at Hermitage Park delays

Pippa Milne, the council’s executive director with responsibility for development and economic growth, said: “The project is in the final phase of capital delivery which is now expected to be complete in autumn 2019.

“Lot one, the new Passivhaus Pavilion, has completed. Offers for the lease of the Pavilion are being considered.

“The lot two landscaping and conservation contractor is on site and programmed to complete their second phase of works in September 2019. The second phase includes landscaping around the pavilion, plaza and decking, additional drainage, sewage connection on to Sinclair Street, play park fencing, car park, remaining park furniture, tree planting on main plaza and main entrance, swale and pool works, greenhouse base and short side walls, final two interpretation panels and the return of the park’s historical play horse, Cramberry.

“The project is coming towards the end of the construction phase and there is a need to continually review the budget against costs working closely with the design team, contractors and funders to manage any changes required and associated impacts on the budget.

“At this point in time there is a projected additional budget requirement for the construction phase based on anticipated costs.

“Once works are fully completed and final costs are confirmed a report will be prepared and brought before members.”

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However, in a post on their Facebook page – Helensburgh Hermitage Park – the Friends disputed the claim that the second phase of building work would be completed by the end of this month.

Their post stated: “There is still some way to go like building the car park!

“The cobble setts at the rear of the pavilion are done and now need the ‘slurry’ between them to hold them in place done. Setts are also to be laid at the front of the pavilion, the bank at the entrance landscaped and bin, bike and buggy stores built here.

“The bowling green needs reinstated and new paths around it are to be built. The drainage swale and reed beds at the Japanese garden, dipping pond, greenhouse base and greenhouse itself. Connection to the main sewer in Sinclair Street and the new carpark which also has bike stores.

“Additional fencing will be going in along the top side of the playpark to ensure it is a safe enclosed space for all users and Cramberry Horse will also be coming home. So there is still a way to go.

“Thank you everyone for being patient. We think better it takes longer to do all the building work than originally planned but it is done to the highest standard that will last.”

READ MORE: Young people 'hold the key' to future of Hermitage Park

Friends chair Fiona Baker then added: “The fencing along the top side of the playpark is additional work in response to advice from Parklands School, so we are spending extra money on that to ensure the playpark is a safe space for everyone.”

The committee is next due to meet on Thursday, December 5, making that the earliest date when the final costs could be discussed.

Ms Milne also gave details of success achieved by school pupils who have been involved in the project to rejuvenate the park.

She added: “Delivery of the five-year activity plan continues until 2021. Up to April 30 there have been £77,267 worth of volunteer hours in the park and we are on target to deliver the proposed £102,000 by the end of the activity plan.

“Officers continue to work with Hermitage Academy to enable pupils to volunteer once a month to enhance the curriculum and to assist with development of the demonstration garden in the park. “Hermitage Academy have gone on to win the pocket garden competition run by Gardening Scotland.

“Officers working with the Friends of Hermitage Park have continued to raise external funds for elements of the project that were constrained by available budgets and continue to look at ways to raise money to develop a Hermitage Park endowment fund.

“The project continues to attract positive press and the Friends keep the community updated through their Facebook page and with regular articles.”

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