Councillors in West Dunbartonshire have granted planning permission for a new £15.7 million council office facility in Dumbarton.

The A-listed former Academy Building is to be transformed into modern office space from early next year.

Recently, the council secured a £500,000 grant from Historic Environment Scotland to help pay for the restoration of the building's A-listed façade.

The historical façade of the building along with the development of a new office at its rear will allow the council to relocate 500 staff to the town centre.


In addition a public One Stop Shop area will be developed along with multi-use civic space, training facilities and meeting rooms.

The buildings original timber entrance doors are to be restored and refitted, while the pitched roof is to be rebuilt with slates to match the appearance of the original roof.

In addition, a car park comprising of 190 spaces will be built at the rear of the building, including ten accessible car parking spaces and ten spaces for electric vehicles.

Storage for 80 bikes will also be provided and the council will also develop a Green Travel Plan to promote healthier and cheaper ways of commuting.

Provost Douglas McAllister said: "The site has been cleared and is almost ready for redevelopment, so I am delighted that the project has now gained planning permission to allow it to continue to proceed.

"The current Garshake offices are in extremely poor condition and would require significant investment to allow them to meet the plans for modern working practices."

(LM/CD)