Contractors working on the £12 million Dunoon Queen’s Hall project have completed their official handover of the building to Argyll and Bute Council.

McLaughlin & Harvey Ltd has carried out the work which has seen the main auditorium completely refurbished to include retractable seating, new lighting and audio visual facilities and the ability to divide the area for different functions. A new café and catering facilities will be provided, with the flexibility to cater for a variety of events including weddings, exhibitions and meetings.

A fitness and training suite will be on site and the building will also house the new library and the offices of Skills Development Scotland. Additionally, a children’s soft play area is included, with a new road layout and public realm enhancing the marine access to Dunoon town centre, Cowal and the National Park beyond.

The ambitious project is part of the £30 million ‘CHORD’ programme to assist regeneration and economic development in the five waterfront towns of Campbeltown, Helensburgh, Oban, Rothesay and Dunoon.

Councillor Gary Mulvaney, the council’s policy lead for strategic finance and capital regeneration programme, was given a tour of the facility and saw first-hand the work on the internal fit-out of the building.

Councillor Mulvaney said: “It was great to see the progress being made at the Queen’s Hall and I can confirm it is looking very close to completion now. The final fit-out process is underway and the finishing touches are being applied. This project represents a significant investment in Dunoon – one that will benefit residents, help attract events to the town and ultimately boost the local economy. I can’t wait to see the doors opened and I am sure local people will be delighted with their new Queen’s Hall.”

The new facility remains on track to host its first public event on Friday, July 27 – a concert by Skipinnish, swiftly followed by ABBA Mania on Saturday, July 28, and a sold-out performance by The Proclaimers on Friday, August 3.