Work has been completed on the £600,000 revamp of a street in Oban town centre that caused much angst among some traders.
The job to create the granite terraced area at Stafford Street created controversy after it dragged on until yesterday. Traders were originally told it would be complete in May.
But they were all smiles yesterday as locals and visitors alike flocked to the new pedestrianised area in front of the shops and cafes.
One business, Little Bay Cafe, already had its new chairs and tables out for customers.
Oban-based Councillor Roddy McCuish, chairman of Argyll and Bute Council’s Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Committee, said: “This is a great boost for the town as we head into the summer. We are over the moon to see the project completed and the high quality of the work. It was great to see 50 some people out enjoying the area yesterday and taking advantage of the 100 yards of public seating in the new terraced design.
“There’s still a tiny bit of snagging work to be completed but nothing major. We would expect the workmen to be off site by the end of next week.
“We really appreciate the patience shown by the public and businesses as this work has gone on and are hopeful that they will start to see the benefits of increased footfall and money through the till very soon. We would encourage them to take advantage of the new space and apply to the council for pavement cafe licences so that they can provide outside seating for their customers.
“It’s encouraging that some have done so or are in the process of doing so already.
“This is just the start of major regeneration work for Oban, with a further phase of public realm improvements planned along George Street later this year and into next year. It’s important that we push on now.”
The improvements to Stafford Street provide a terraced space to sit, relax and view the bay, an open area for small scale events and a shelter with inlaid artwork and ornamental colour changing LED lighting.
Phase two, from Stafford Street to George Street, Queen’s Park Place and Station Square, is expected to begin later this year, with a view to completion by summer 2016.