Argyll and Bute Council is looking to build on the success of the new leisure centre, which was announced recently as a finalist for a number of national awards. It hopes that redeveloping the waterfront area will secure long-term economic success for the area by creating employment opportunities, strengthening the town centre and attracting more people to the area.

A mix of nine international, national and local bidders submitted expressions of interest to develop the land in front of the new leisure centre. The proposals range from community infrastructure, retail, hotel and food retail.

All seven parties will now submit full financial offers for their proposals. The final stage is to appoint a preferred bidder.

The move is the latest stage in the council’s regeneration plans for Helensburgh and follows a recent engagement exercise that asked for feedback from local businesses, pupils and community groups on what kind of facilities they would like to see on the site.

Councillor Gary Mulvaney, policy lead for finance and commercial services, said: “To ensure long-term economic success, we are working to attract people to live and work in the area and to build a prosperous future for Argyll and Bute. Following on from the success of the new leisure centre and ongoing town centre regeneration, we are now carefully considering a development that adds economic value to the town and help support further investment for Helensburgh and the wider area.

“We would like to thank everyone who gave feedback during the community engagement exercise. It’s clear that everyone including our shortlisted proposals realise the opportunities and significance of the waterfront as a prime location in the town. We look forward to this next exciting phase for Helensburgh.”

The Argyll and Bute Local Development Plan includes zoned commercial use for the waterfront site and was subject to extensive consultation prior to its approval. Final proposals for the site will require planning permission and will include a public consultation.