McLaughlin & Harvey have reached a milestone on the £12 million Dunoon Queen's Hall project in Argyll and Bute.

The contractor have completed its official 'handover' of the building to the local authority and the facility is on schedule to open to the public on Friday, 27 July.

Work so far has involved refurbishing the main auditorium to include retractable seating, new lighting and audio visual facilities and the ability to divide the area for different functions. A new café and catering facilities will be provided, with the flexibility to cater for a variety of events including weddings, exhibitions and meetings.

In addition, a fitness and training suite will be on site while the building will also house the new library and the offices of Skills Development Scotland. Other features will include a new children's soft play area, a new road layout and public realm enhancing the marine access to Dunoon town centre, Cowal and the National Park beyond.

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The project is being carried out as part of the £30m 'CHORD' programme to assist regeneration and economic development in the five waterfront towns of Campbeltown, Helensburgh, Oban, Rothesay and Dunoon.

Last week, Cllr Gary Mulvaney visited the site and was given a tour of the Queen's Hall, as well as seeing first-hand the work on the internal fit-out of the building.

He said: "It was great to see the progress being made at the Queen's Hall and I can confirm it is looking very close to completion now.

"The final fit-out process is underway and the finishing touches are being applied. This project represents a significant investment in Dunoon – one that will benefit residents, help attract events to the town and ultimately boost the local economy. I can't wait to see the doors opened and I am sure local people will be delighted with their new Queen's Hall."

Image: Councillor Mulvaney, pictured at the Queen's Hall with Live Argyll Business Operations Manager, Pat McCann.

(LM)