Argyll & Bute Council said the work will ensure that all essential operational services for Oban, Lorn and the Isles can be delivered from a single main site. It will also free up the Mill Park site for development, as well as making significant savings in operating costs.

The £1.4 million contract includes a community benefit clause that will ensure employment for one, local unemployed person during the contract; a four-week work experience placement for two school pupils; and a site visit for a class from a local school once the project is complete.

The main elements of the project include:

• a brand new four-bay fleet workshop to keep the council’s vehicles (bin lorries; roads equipment; gritters etc.) on the road;
• a modern office and meeting room facility for all Oban-based operational services staff;
• an expansion of the overall site, with new hard-standing, drainage etc., to create a parking area for all vehicles.

The project sees the replacement of the facilities destroyed by fire at Mill Park, albeit at a different site, with the result that the contract value is covered by the council’s insurance.

Councillor Roddy McCuish, policy lead for roads and amenity services, said: “This is a major milestone in our project to streamline operations, bringing together the different strands of roads and amenity services under one roof. This is the first step in an overall programme will be rolled out across Argyll and Bute.

“Our commitment is to provide the best possible, joined-up service to our communities as well as opening up opportunity for economic growth by releasing land and buildings for development. We are delighted that Luddon Construction Ltd will be with us on this first step of our journey.”

Luddon Construction said: “We are delighted to be working with Argyll and Bute Council on this milestone project and are looking forward to engaging with their staff in the development of this project from design through to completion, which will also include interface with the local community.”