Plans to clear the site of the old Hermitage Academy, Helensburgh, are on track to be completed at no cost to the council.

That’s the news from Argyll and Bute Council, current owners of the site, and John Dickie Homes, who are carrying out the demolition of the school before taking ownership of the site in October 2010.

Work to strip out the interior of the building will commence in May and carry on until June. The demolition of the structure of the building will take place during July.

Councillor George Freeman, chairman Helensburgh and Lomond Area Committee for Argyll and Bute Council is confident the building is being removed in the most efficient way possible. He explains: "It may not appear it to the casual observer but the demolition of the old Hermitage Academy is underway and is on track. John Dickie Homes have permission from the council to clear the site before they take it over fully. "Removing old buildings and making their former site ready for a new future is no longer something that can be done in a hurry so it might look as if there’s no progress being made but I’m happy everything is in train."


A spokesperson for John Dickie Homes confirmed the demolition plans were now on schedule: "We’ve removed some of the interior and are working with the utility companies to remove existing supplies from the site. As much material as possible is being sent for disposal at recycling centres, in line with environmental requirements. Windows have previously been removed which helps make the eventual demolition safer.

"The remaining structure is scheduled to be demolished by July and we’re now on target to complete all the preparatory work which will make that possible on time."

John Dickie Homes will take ownership of the site in October and currently have responsibility for site security and demolition.

(GK)