International, national and local bidders have submitted proposals to develop the waterfront in Helensburgh, council bosses have confirmed.

Argyll and Bute Council announced on Monday that five bidders have submitted proposals to transform the empty site between West Clyde Street and the Helensburgh Leisure Centre which was formerly occupied by the old Helensburgh Swimming Pool.

The announcement comes after members of Helensburgh Community Council (HCC) were told by a local councillor last week that they were one of three 'preferred bidders' - not five - to develop the land.

HCC is the only short-listed bidder whose intentions for the site have so far been made public. 

Its proposals include an event space, a skate park, a water play area, and space for 'small retail'

There were rumours circulating in town earlier this month that Marks and Spencer was among the interested parties, but the retailer insisted when approached by the Advertiser that it had not submitted an application to develop the site.

The next steps are expected to be taken in March when a report on the bidding process is due to go before Argyll and Bute Council's Helensburgh and Lomond area committee.

 

There has long been suspicion that a large retail unit was destined for the waterfront site and was the only desired outcome by council officials - in large part to ensure that the finances of the overall development, including the new leisure centre, landscaping and parking facilities, stack up.

Helensburgh Central Labour councillor Fiona Howard, who is not part of the local authority's ruling administration, told HCC members on Thursday, January 26 that "it was let slip at a meeting today that it has been whittled down to three, and you're one of them".

Councillor Howard told the Advertiser: "The information that Helensburgh Community Council is one of three preferred bidders came from what I am sure was an unintentional slip from an administration councillor at a seminar last week.

"I have no further information, as none has yet been shared with the opposition."

The report will go before Argyll and Bute Council’s Helensburgh and Lomond area committee at a meeting on Tuesday, March 12.

The next step after the committee is to invite the preferred bidders for an interview to outline their proposals in more detail and discuss the next steps.

The council says the identities of the bidders are expected to be made public after interviews take place.

Councillor Gary Mulvaney, the authority's policy lead for finance and commercial services, said: “This is an important step as we look to build on the success of the new leisure centre and strengthen the town’s long-term economic success by creating jobs and attracting more people to the area.

"We’re pleased with the continued level of interest in redeveloping the waterfront and have given careful consideration to assets that not only enhance the town’s existing offering to people currently travelling outside of the area, it will also offer opportunities for future generations.

"We would like to thank everyone who has submitted detailed proposals to date.”