The ambitious regeneration plans for Helensburgh were part of the Argyll and Bute Council CHORD initiative to improve economic activity in the town and enhance the visitor experience. Key aspects included the redesign of Colquhoun Square in the heart of the town centre, and redevelopment of all the principal surrounding streets and the West Bay Esplanade.

The design ethos was to create a town centre with attractive, usable and flexible public space thereby supporting community events, festivals and markets.

The town has held several successful events within their new square. These have attracted more people into the town centre and boosted trade for the local businesses, helping to support a sustainable economy.

The development of the ‘Outdoor Museum’ in Colquhoun Square has also provided a location and focus to display the rich and varied history of Helensburgh for local residents and visitors, both now and in the future.

I’m delighted with the quality of the work – the town centre looks fantastic….The project has seen a significant investment which will, I am sure, provide real, long lasting and tangible benefits to local people and businesses. We are already seeing significant private sector investment in the town and are hoping to use this project as a springboard to further growth.
Councillor Gary Mulvaney – chair of the Local Area Committee

The Austin Smith Lord design team which delivered the Helensburgh CHORD town centre and west bay esplanade public realm project for Argyll + Bute Council, acted professionally throughout the delivery of the project. Their senior management team was hands on and if there were any client concerns they quickly addressd them. The team are very client focussed, they respond quickly to requests for information and are willing to go the extra mile.
Helen Ford, Project Manager, Argyll & Bute Council