Lochgilphead reconnects to its waterfront with a £1.5m Front Green initiative
August 15 2022
Argyll & Bute Council has reopened Lochgilphead Front Green to the public following a £1.5m makeover.
A new public square, play park and seating have been introduced in front of Loch Gilp, served by a network of new and refurbished walking and cycling routes using local Achnaba stone.
Designed by ERZ the upgraded public realm connects to the Crinan Canal and includes a tree-lined avenue, enhanced signage and public information boards.
Councillor Robin Currie, policy lead for the economy and rural growth said: “It’s fantastic news that this much-loved community asset is now open to the public after a substantial transformation. The Front Green lies at the heart of the community and provides an important recreation and social space.
"We are delighted to deliver the long-held community aspiration to have a public square, a great location to hold community events.”
Aerial photograph provided courtesy of Hawthorn Heights.
A tree-lined avenue frames the central green space
A play park and active travel routes will draw activity to the loch
A public shelter has been created for the exposed site
Improved access to the waterfront was a central goal
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3 Comments
However, the headline 'reconnects' is a bit misleading. The green and a playground has been there for a good while and relatively well used. The only thing that 'disconnected' the town from the waterfront was the building site that was there for quite a while!
More effort would appear to have been put into the extensive use and upkeep of the heras fencing than new exercise and play equipment.
Definitely not a poster child for Scottish civil engineering productivity.
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An interesting question is, given that they are in the same neighbourhood and are both planned towns built in 1800, why is Inveraray so popular and its architecture so well cared for, while Lochgilphead struggles? Is it the Adam factor? Or does Lochgilphead just need to paint all its window surrounds black?
Hopefully this investment will help revive Lochgilphead's fortunes.