Argyll and Bute Council has taken the next step in in supporting the ongoing efforts of the Helensburgh Pier Company to bring the historic pier back into use.
The Council has announced the appointment of engineers from consultants Ramboll to undertake a comprehensive principal inspection of Helensburgh Pier.
Working alongside their specialist marine divers Shearwater Marine Services, who will carry out an underwater dive survey, Ramboll will deliver a detailed assessment of the pier’s condition both above and below the waterline.
The findings will provide both the Council and the Helensburgh Pier Company with up-to-date information on the condition of the structure. This will help to identify potential repair requirements, future investment needs and options for the pier’s long-term future.
The survey work will also improve understanding of the structural condition of key elements of the pier, including timber components, foundations and berthing infrastructure.
This is one of the steps that needs to be taken to enable the pier to re-open safely. At the same time the charity and Council are working together to develop a lease of the pier that the charity could take on and use to seek external funding for repairs needed to allow the closure notice to be lifted and the pier to be reopened safely.
Survey activity is expected to take place during October, with specialist dive teams and inspection personnel working on and around the pier.
Members of the public are kindly asked to respect all temporary safety measures and keep clear of work areas while surveys are being undertaken to ensure the safety of both the public and survey teams.
Councillor Ross Moreland, Chair of Argyll and Bute Harbour Board, said: “Financial challenges facing the Council means that, more and more, we hope to strike partnerships with community organisations who are able to source additional, external funding that we cannot.
“Carrying out this inspection is part of our commitment to supporting the work of Helensburgh Pier Company and the future of a beloved local structure.”
Bill Purdon, Chairman of the Helensburgh Pier Company, said: “The charity is most encouraged by the award of this contract to determine the current condition of the pier as it moves the process forward whereby we obtain the 25 year lease we have been seeking.
“The report should highlight the repairs required to lift the closure notice and then once this is known we can launch our plans for the pier and start fundraising”.