Delight has been expressed at the progress being made with public development projects in Oban.
Chairman of Oban Lorn and the Isles area committee Roddy McCuish was speaking at a meeting of Argyll and Bute Council’s Policy and Resources Committee yesterday.
Pippa Milne, executive director of development and infrastructure services, gave an update on the council’s capital regeneration projects.
A £600,000 facelift to Stafford Street has been completed, which saw smart new paving and a marble public seating area installed.
Contractors are due to start work on the next phase, a £2million project which will see George Street and Station Square getting similar treatment.
And terms are in the process of being agreed after a legal argument held up plans for new facilities at the North Pier.
The council wants to demolish the former ferry ticket office known as the White Building and build a visitor centre in its place, to cater to people from yachts and cruise ships.
There were concerns from the owners of Piazza and Ee-Usk restaurants on the pier that the development would impinge on their access.
Ms Milne said: “In Oban the public realm work on Stafford Street is completed. Phase two of the public realm work is due to start on site on January 4.
“We have moved on in terms of the North Pier visitor facility. There was a legal process taken by a neighbour. We have engaged in mediation and we have draft heads of terms in the process of agreement.”
Roddy McCuish said: “I am absolutely delighted the way things are moving on in Oban with the projects.
“I met with Land Engineering, the contractor, earlier this week and they are determined to deliver on time.
“It is encouraging that there seems to be more communication between the developers and councillors.
“We are very fortunate in Oban with the announcement last week that Premier Inn is coming and it goes to show if you start to get things done, things move forward.
“I would like to thank everyone in the area committee for Oban Lorn and the Isles, we don’t all have the same politics, but we do get things done. I would also thank the officers for their continued support.”
The work on Stafford Street, carried out by a different contractor, ran behind schedule and took two months longer than originally expected.