Argyll and Bute Council has confirmed that design proposals for a section of the Dunoon regeneration project has been approved by committee members.

The plans relate to the Queens Hall element of the initiative and will be funded through the local authority's CHORD scheme.

In a statement, the Council said the multi-million pound investment would help make the most of Dunoon waterfront's development opportunities. The Queens Hall, when refurbished and coupled with a major road realignment and public realm improvements, will make the waterfront an attractive, vibrant and contemporary space for both residents and visitors to enjoy.

The building would have a new, improved public entrance and street frontage off Argyll Street as part of the renovation works, while improvements to the main hall, a soft play area on the second floor and a new fitness suite would also be delivered. Elsewhere, a public library would sit alongside new facilities earmarked for Skills Development Scotland on the first floor, with Visit Scotland relocating from their current building on Alexandra Parade to share the ground floor reception area with the hall's facilities team.

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Around the building, the revised proposals would see the old marshalling area at the wooden pier, the Skills Development Scotland building and the mini-roundabout at the bottom of Argyll Street being replaced. In their place, would be a new and improved road system aimed at giving cyclists and pedestrians higher priority when accessing both the main shopping area of the town and the Queens Hall itself. Access for motorists would also be improved, while a public events space would also be created with new paving and soft landscaping.

Argyll and Bute Council has said the proposed designs will be exhibited in the Queens Hall to allow the local community to view as well as speak to the team behind the project. Details of the public consultations have not yet been released.

(JP/CD)