Work is underway to reinstate Burnside Square in Campbeltown following the successful installation of a new water storage tank as part of the town’s £15 million Flood Protection Scheme.
The tank installation provided local residents and businesses with the opportunity to have their say on how they would like the Square used after the work was completed and, following a public consultation back in November 2022, 57% of people said they would like the area to be a flexible events space and car park.
Argyll and Bute Council is now finalising details of the new-look Square with its design consultants, AECOM. These plans need to balance the previously agreed principles for the square, with the infrastructure requirements around the tank and its safe operation and access.
New features will include pavement café areas on both Harvey’s Lane and Cross Street as well as within the Square itself, additional spaces for disabled parking, an additional vehicle exit onto Union Street, available space in the Square maximised for community use, and electricity points to support events.
The council will publish the finalised plans soon but in the meantime, contractors will lay new paving in the Square over the next few weeks, in keeping with the previous finish, so that it can re-open as a car parking area until such times as the public realm details are agreed.
The current plan is for the Square to re-open in early July, with some aspects of the public realm works to be completed at a later point – this is primarily down to lead in times for some items such as the electrical points.
The council’s Policy Lead for Roads and Infrastructure Services, Councillor Andrew Kain, said: “Burnside Square is a fantastic community space right in the heart of the town, so it is vital that the new designs reflect this.
“We made promises to the people of Kintyre, including the provision of disabled parking spaces and the potential for a pavement café culture, and we will deliver.
“The Flood Protection Scheme is progressing well and I would to take the opportunity to thank local businesses and residents for their patience while this essential work is carried out.”
For more information about the Campbeltown Flood Protection Scheme, and to sign up to regular updates, visit Campbeltown Flood Protection Scheme (argyll-bute.gov.uk) .
NOTES TO EDITOR
The Campbeltown Flood Prevention Scheme will see the town benefit from various works to prevent the type of flooding residents and businesses have suffered from in the past. To find out more visit Campbeltown Flood Protection Scheme (argyll-bute.gov.uk)