Hundreds of people in Oban have viewed design ideas for regeneration of the town’s waterfront, such is the interest in the project.
The area from Station Square to the North Pier is being revamped completely with a new promenade and improved street and pavement layout as part of Argyll and Bute Council’s multimillion-pound Chord (Campbeltown Helensburgh Oban Rothesay and Dunoon) waterfronts project.
Oban is to get a £6.7million share of the £30million to be invested.
Early design proposals for the regeneration of Oban Bay were viewed by more than 200 people who attended the Public Realm Design Concept Development Exhibition.
The event allowed members of the public to view the designs, make comments and ask questions.
These observations, plus the returned questionnaires, will be passed on to the design team, Capita and Oberlanders, architects. The results will be discussed at the next design review meeting later this month.
The ideas included pedestrianisation of Stafford Street, provision of more space for pedestrians along the waterfront with the introduction of cantilevered boardwalks, introduction of shared surfaces and other infrastructure to enable better use of the waterfront for annual events, and the development of the town as a Seafood Capital.
There is also a call for the integration of local art into the enhancement scheme, potential for more weather protection and the enhancement of facilities for visiting leisure sailors on the North Pier.
Councillor Ellen Morton, said: “The regeneration of the waterfront is an important part of our investment in Oban.
“The regeneration project is about improving the area for residents and helping the local economy by providing another reason for people to come to Oban and for them to stay longer.
“The waterfront is a key focal point and it is exciting to look to its future redevelopment.”