The work, from Stafford Street to George Street, Queen’s Park Place and Station Square, is expected to be complete by summer 2016, with the heavy construction work starting towards the end of October 2015.

Now that the contractor is in place, initial meetings have been set up to formalise the programme of works and get the project moving forward.

The council will be focusing on keeping those affected by the works informed, with regular communication between the project team and local traders as well as weekly updates on progress being provided on the council website.

Policy lead for infrastructure, Councillor Ellen Morton, welcomed the news: “This is great news for people in Oban. Things are really starting to take shape with our key regeneration projects there, with Stafford Street completed and the benefits there for all to see. It’s a great space which is being well used, with local traders already starting to see the economic impact.

“Argyll and Bute Council’s focus is on creating the right conditions for economic growth. Attractive town centres bring people in, whether it’s residents or visitors, giving a real boost to local businesses.

“We want to attract people to the area and grow our population and we are sure the successful delivery of the second phase of public realm work will help to do just that.”

The design for Station Square provides a shared surface, flexible space for occasional events; a widened seaside footway; an improved shelter for bus passengers; bespoke seating; ornamental planting; provision for the taxis and feature lighting columns incorporating a WIFI repeater station.

George Street and Queen’s Park Place will see bespoke seating areas, including planting and feature lighting columns incorporating a WIFI repeater station; an improved footway on the seafront; refurbished railings and replacement lighting along the sea wall.

Chair of the Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Committee, Councillor Roddy McCuish, was pleased to hear of the appointment: “This is another great boost for Oban. Land Engineering is a leading player in public realm work, with a proven track record in high quality delivery.

Recent projects include the full reconstruction of Kilwinning Main Street, the restoration of Bridgeton Cross roads and pavements ahead of the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow and work on George IV Bridge in Edinburgh.

“We are confident that we have a great contractor on board and that they will deliver the ambitious improvements deliver the works and am confident they will do so efficiently, on time and within budget.

“Oban should be looking great in time for next summer, being an even more attractive prospect than it already is, bringing people in and boosting the local economy.

“We are going to be working very hard to keep people informed about what’s happening. We appreciate the fact that, while these improvements are much needed and will give the people of Oban another fabulous new public space to enjoy, there will be some disruption. We’ll be managing that as best we can and we would just urge people to be patient and bear with us while the work is ongoing. With Stafford Street already completed we can see the huge benefits of this type of project.

“It is also encouraging that a community benefit clause is included in the tender which means that Land Engineering will be maximising opportunities for local people, from curriculum support to local employment.”