DELAYS caused by the Covid-19 pandemic may mean that Helensburgh’s Hermitage Park renovation project misses more key targets, a council director has said.

A report to a key Argyll and Bute Council committee also does not commit to a date for announcing who has taken on the lease of the cafe at the park’s Passivhaus pavilion, more than a year after the terms were agreed – stating only that an announcement will be made “in due course”.

An update on Argyll and Bute Council’s large scale projects has the park’s regeneration marked with an “amber” status in terms of its delivery.

Though most of the major work in the park is complete, the five-year project – including a range of activities – is earmarked for completion in December 2021.

But the report, prepared ahead of a meeting of the council's environment, development and infrastructure committee on March 4, warns that may not be possible because of the effects of the pandemic.

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

The potential delays are being raised with the National Lottery Heritage Fund (NLHF) to seek a revised plan.

The analysis of the park’s position features in a report, dated January, to go before the council’s environment, development and infrastructure committee at a virtual meeting on Thursday, March 4.

Many elements of the park have been progressing, with the Friends of Hermitage Park recently announcing a £500 grant to purchase games equipment from Localgiving and Postcode Community Trust.

The park was also awarded Green Flag status in October.

Executive director Kirsty Flanagan says in the report: “The focus continues to be on delivering the activity plan and undertaking the planting and management and maintenance plan, all subject to Covid-19 restrictions.

“Hermitage Park successfully achieved Green Flag Status in October 2020 with a minor number of improvements highlighted which are being addressed.

READ MORE: Hermitage Park secures £500 to buy new sports equipment

"The park will be assessed annually to retain this status as good practice and a condition of NLHF funding.

“Ground preparation and the majority of planting took place over the autumn period, enhancing the entrance to the park and beyond.

“The heads of terms relating to the lease of the Pavilion café were agreed in December 2019 and have been subject to delay due to Covid-19 and snagging. It is hoped that a positive announcement will be made in due course.”

Work on the park’s regeneration started in early 2017.

Plans for an opening ceremony to mark the completion of work have been put on ice on several occasions – firstly because of delays in completing work on the pavilion, and then as a result of the pandemic.

READ MORE: New project manager starts work at Hermitage Park

In her report, Ms Flanagan continues: “After a successful recruitment process the Hermitage Park manager, Charlie Cairns, began work in August 2020, eight months after the departure of the previous manager.

“Delivery of the five-year activity plan continues until December 2021, and there is a risk that the project will not achieve its targets due to delays and inability to deliver activities as a result of Covid-19 restrictions.

“This is being raised with NLHF to seek a solution, and a revised activity plan has been prepared, although it is likely that this will now require further amendments due to the changing circumstances.”

Ms Flanagan added: “The park has a key role to play in providing a green space for people’s well-being during lockdown, and the play park and plaza area has been, and continues to be, well used.”