Around £8m is to be spent on the regeneration of Rothesay Pavilion, it has been revealed. The project is the second of two key regeneration projects in Argyll and Bute.

Recent survey work to the site revealed that some sections of the building are in an advanced state of disrepair. To address the issues and to make sure the building can be renovated as part of the original plans, the local authority has said it is to invest an additional £335,000 from its general reserve fund to carry out these emergency works.

The priority areas for repair are said to be the northern elevation and the north end of the eastern elevation. These areas are exposed to the weather on the seafront, with rain and salt spray having entered open joints and cracks in the cast stones. Inside the cast stones, are iron reinforcement bars which have been rusting due to the moisture. As a result of the rusting process, the bars expand which can burst the stone facings and make the areas of the building unstable. To keep passing members of the public safe, some sections of the building have been fenced off.

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Argyll and Bute Council has said these repairs are essential and have been included as part of the design team tender for the overall project. The tendering process is currently around the halfway stage, with a design team expected to be appointed at the end of the month.

Following this appointment, the extent of the work needed will be specified, with a contract issued and firm appointed.

It is hoped that the repairs will be completed by the spring of 2015.

The renovation work on the iconic structure is expected to begin in 2016, with the work to take around 18 months to complete. The renovated pavilion is expected to re-open in mid-2017 and will house a modern facility which will act as a hub for sports, tourism and leisure in the area.

(JP/IT)