Carlisle-based Cubby Construction has been named as the main contractor for the long-awaited £15.65 million regeneration of Annan Harbour in Dumfries & Galloway, with work scheduled to begin next month.

The project, selected by Annan Harbour Action Group (AHAG) following a competitive procurement process, marks a major step in revitalising one of the South of Scotland’s historic waterfronts. Funding support comes from the UK Government's Levelling Up Fund, the Scottish Government, Dumfries & Galloway Council, and South of Scotland Enterprise (SOSE).

The redevelopment will transform Annan's harbour basin and the adjacent Georgian sandstone warehouse into a vibrant community and visitor destination. Plans include a visitor centre and café, maritime heritage centre, event space, leisure lagoon, training and retail facilities, and accessible nature walks along the Ministers’ Merse, a stretch of land reclaimed after more than 30 years of abandonment.

-- Advertisement --

Cubby Construction will draw on the expertise of its wider group for the project. Cubby Joinery will manufacture bespoke timber features, including walkways, the Harbour Master’s hut, a bird hide, and a 'ramphitheatre'. Cubby Plant Hire will provide plant, safety fencing, site offices, and welfare facilities, while Laidlaw Scaffolding supplies both internal and external scaffolding. Skilled stonemasons from Laidlaw Building will complete heritage-sensitive stonework.

The main construction programme will run for two years, with Cubby Construction taking full possession of the site from 7 April 2026. By the fifth year, the regenerated harbour is expected to attract 11,000 additional visitors annually and generate an estimated £27 million in socio-economic benefits for the wider area. The project will also create jobs, apprenticeships, and volunteer opportunities, while providing facilities for wellness, learning, and community engagement.

As the redevelopment progresses, local residents will have opportunities to participate in activities such as planting and landscaping along the Merse during the later stages of construction.