Councillors will be asked to approve £1.6million for a new maritime visitor centre at Oban’s North Pier next week.
The full business case for the facility, which is set to complement a new pontoon development for visiting boats, is to be considered when Argyll and Bute Council’s Policy and Resources Committee meets on Thursday.
Showers, toilets, changing areas, lockers and office space will be housed on the site currently occupied by The White Building, a former ferry ticket office.
Economic benefits to the local economy are listed as including £312,102 during the construction phase and more than £2million over 15 years, plus more than £1million to the local tourism economy over 15 years.
Officers have recommended that councillors approve the business case and the draw down of £1.6million and grant senior management permission to tender and award the contract for the facility.
In a report before the committee, Pippa Milne, executive director of development and infrastructure, said the facility, “Will make a significant contribution to the economic regeneration of Oban town centre and waterfront through increased footfall.”
The regeneration of the North Pier is part of the council’s ambitious plans to invest £6.9milion on improvements to the town centre as part of its Chord (Campbeltown Helensburgh Oban Rothesay and Dunoon) project.
The facilities will be used by cruise passengers, kayakers, yachters, maritime day trippers, tour operators, leisure ship tenders and sea-life enthusiasts.
It is expected the pontoons will be in the water and the visitor centre open by next summer.