Work has started on a £3.3 million park regeneration project in Helensburgh, Argyll and Bute.

A turf-cutting ceremony to mark the start of restoration and redevelopment works at Hermitage Park was held on Friday, 10 February.

Specialist landscape contractors Hawthorn Heights are carrying out £1.6m worth of landscaping and conservation works on the scheme, with initial works involving the demolition of the toilet block, the Japanese shelter and conservation work to the war memorial.

A total of £2.3m has been awarded towards the scheme by the Heritage Lottery, Parks for People fund. Other funders include Sustrans, the Armed Forces Covenant Fund and the Friends of Hermitage Park, with the council contributing £280,000.


Speaking at the event, Cllr Ellen Morton said: "There is no doubt that Hermitage Park will be a showcase public space when the regeneration is complete.

"The ceremony is a real milestone in this exciting regeneration project and we are extremely grateful to the funders and all those, such as our partners from the Friends of Hermitage Park Association, who have worked tirelessly to make it become a reality."

Fiona Baker, the Chair of Friends of Hermitage Park Association added:

"The Friends of Hermitage Park Association was formed in 2010 with the objective of restoring and rejuvenating Hermitage Park. It has been a long road to reach this point. We are absolutely delighted to be here today with our partners Argyll and Bute Council and our funders to mark the start of the building work. We look forward to our park being a jewel in Helensburgh’s crown once more."

(LM/MH)