Planning permission to construct a new pier facility in Argyll and Bute has been approved by Councillors.

The North Pier Maritime Visitor Facility, formerly known as the White Building, will surround a circular gathering space and be covered by a timber and glass canopy. The centre itself will include a pier office, public toilets and showers, secure locker facilities storage and laundry, a waiting area for coach parties and cruise ship passengers, and a covered event space.

Work is expected to begin on the North Pier in January 2015, with the White Building being demolished.

In addition to the above, Argyll and Bute Council's Planning, Protective Services and Licensing (PPSL) Committee also approved plans for the first phase of the Oban Bay public realm enhancement scheme. This project will include all of Stafford Street as well as extending into George Street, Queens Park Place and Station Square. The local authority has said the work will include a terraced space to sit, relax and view the bay; a flexible space (with power and Wi-Fi) for small scale events, and shelter with inlaid artwork and ornamental colour changing LED lighting. At Station Square, a flexible space for events will be created, while the seaside footway will be widened. A shelter for both bus passengers and spectators at events; flexible seating; ornamental planting; LED lighting similar to Stafford Street; like-for-like provision for taxis and a new plinth for the clock tower are also included in the proposals. While at George Street and Queens Park Place, the initiatives include the installation of bespoke seating areas, planting and decorative lighting; an improved footway on the seafront; refurbished railings and sea wall; an interactive information point and replacement lighting along the sea wall.

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The public realm work will be split into two phases, with Stafford Street being developed first, from October 2014 to April 20515. The remainder of the project will be developed after this.

Chair of the PPSL committee, Councillor David Kinniburgh, commented: "I'm pleased that we were able to grant planning permission for these two exciting projects – we focus on making things happen, supporting sustainable economic growth and regeneration. These two projects are appropriate in the context of national planning policy and our local development plan."

Councillor Alistair MacDougall, Chair of the Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Committee, added: "I'm very pleased with this news – it's exciting to see the Oban regeneration project moving forward, with work set to begin soon. These improvement works will deliver long-lasting benefits for the people of Oban and the surrounding area.

"In place of the White Building we will have a purpose built state of the art facility framing the new multi-functional public space. The public realm work will give us a tailored waterfront which reflects the character of Oban and is more attractive both to visitors and residents, generating additional footfall for the benefit of local retailers."

(JP/MH)