The main contractors for the project, Heron Bros Ltd, officially handed the building over last week, on time, despite the global construction challenges faced during Covid.

liveArgyll will run the new facility and gym equipment will be delivered over the next few days, after which staff will be trained in their new surroundings. The centre will open its doors to the public on 3 September, although the new car park at the facility is now available for use, during which time the existing car park will close to allow for the safe demolition of the existing swimming pool.

The new car park has 190 spaces, all of which will be temporarily free to use for the first three months, and includes electrical vehicle charging, a bus drop off, bike parking and a cycle repair station. The council will extend the car park once the existing pool is removed, to create further, additional parking bays.

The council’s policy lead for Commercial Services, Councillor Gary Mulvaney, said: “Work on the waterfront development started almost two years ago to the day, amidst a global pandemic. Businesses were experiencing staff shortages due to Covid, people were on furlough, and building materials were in short supply.

“Despite these challenges, the council’s project team and contractors worked tirelessly to complete the leisure centre within the original timescale, many doing so while working remotely. This really is a fantastic achievement and one from which that the local community and visitors will soon be able to reap the awards.

“It is great that the new car park will open on Monday too. This another welcome addition to the town centre that will boost the local community for years to come. Congratulations to everyone involved.”