Residents in Dumbarton are being invited to find out more details over a £15.4 million restoration project in the town.

The A-listed façade of the old Dumbarton Academy is being redeveloped into new offices for West Dunbartonshire Council.

The local authority plans to relocate 500 staff currently based at Garshake to its new base and the building is scheduled to open in March 2018.

Guests are now being encouraged to attend a Conservation in Architecture event next week, which will provide an insight into the complex works which have taken place on site to date, including the stone restoration and renovation of the imposing timber doors.


Attendees will also hear details of the project to integrate the old and new elements of the building, including securing the modern rear of the facility to the historic stone frontage and developing custom roofing which was sympathetic to both designs.

Accredited Conservation Architect, Andrew Wright OBE, will also give a presentation on the field of conservation and details on conservation of the old Academy building, including the work carried out in conjunction with Historic Environment Scotland.

Cllr Iain McLaren said: "This event will be fascinating for anyone with an interest in local architecture, particularly the old Dumbarton Academy building and its beautiful William Leiper designed, Grade A listed façade.

"The works to retain that historic frontage and incorporate it into the new building have been complex and it will be interesting to hear how obstacles have been overcome so that this historically important building is retained as part of Dumbarton's heritage."

The Conservation in Architecture event will take place at the Concord Centre, Dumbarton, from 2pm to 5pm, on Tuesday, 10 October.

(LM)