Colquhoun Square - Chord Legacy Fund: Principles for Reinvestment
Argyll and Bute Council · 9 December 2025
Back to Helensburgh & Lomond Area Committee — 9 December 2025 and its agenda
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ARGYLL AND BUTE COUNCIL H&L AREA COMMITTEE ROADS AND INFRASTRUCTURE DECEMBER 2025 Colquhoun Square – CHORD Legacy Fund: Principles for Reinvestment 1.0 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 1.1 This report sets out a high-level framework for the potential reinvestment of remaining CHORD legacy funds associated with the 2015 Helensburgh public realm improvements. A balance of approximately £57,000 remains unallocated and presents an opportunity to deliver enhancements that support the usability, quality and civic function of Colquhoun Square. This report seeks agreement on the core principles that should guide future spend, and proposes that officers undertake targeted engagement with local stakeholders to inform a costed delivery plan. RECOMMENDATIONS It is recommended that the Area Committee: i. Note the remaining balance of circa £57,000 from the original CHORD programme; ii. Agree that future spend should focus on enhancing the usability, amenity and presentation of Colquhoun Square as a civic and public event space; iii. Endorse the principle that replacement or rationalisation of street furniture — particularly benches — should form part of this reinvestment; and iv. Request that officers undertake stakeholder engagement (including with community organisations, event organisers and local businesses) and return to Committee with a detailed reinvestment proposal.
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ARGYLL AND BUTE COUNCIL HL AREA COMMITTEE ROADS AND INFRASTRUCTURE DECEMBER 2025 Colquhoun Square – CHORD Legacy Fund: Principles for Reinvestment 2.0 INTRODUCTION 2.1 This report sets out a high-level framework for the potential reinvestment of remaining CHORD legacy funds associated with the 2015 Helensburgh public realm improvements. A balance of approximately £57,000 remains unallocated and presents an opportunity to deliver enhancements that support the usability, quality and civic function of Colquhoun Square. 3.0 RECOMMENDATIONS It is recommended that the Area Committee: i. Note the remaining balance of circa £57,000 from the original CHORD programme; ii. Agree that future spend should focus on enhancing the usability, amenity and presentation of Colquhoun Square as a civic and public event space; iii. Endorse the principle that replacement or rationalisation of street furniture — particularly benches — should form part of this reinvestment; and iv. Request that officers undertake stakeholder engagement (including with community organisations, event organisers and local businesses) and return to Committee with a detailed reinvestment proposal. 4.0 DETAIL 4.1 BACKGROUND The Helensburgh CHORD project, completed in 2015, delivered a transformative multi million investment in Colquhoun Square and the surrounding town centre streetscape. The project included new paving, lighting, planting, and extensive street furniture, including over 40 benches.
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While the physical space remains a defining feature of the town centre, there are now increasing signs of wear, overprovision in some elements (e.g. benches), and a lack of integration between different public realm initiatives delivered since 2015. A remaining balance of approximately £57,000 is held within Roads and Infrastructure Services, having been transferred from CHORD legacy allocations. The purpose of this paper is to set the direction for how these funds could be used to refresh and improve the core civic space in a strategic and coordinated manner. 4.2 PRINCIPLES FOR FUTURE SPEND It is proposed that any reinvestment of the remaining funds be guided by the following principles: • Improve Usability and Function: Enhance the day-to-day use and flexibility of the square, particularly in relation to events, public gatherings, and informal leisure. • Reduce Visual Clutter: Review the existing volume and distribution of furniture, with a view to rationalising and updating where appropriate (e.g. benches, bins). • Target High-Impact, Low-Maintenance Improvements: Focus on upgrades that enhance appearance, reduce ongoing maintenance, and support accessibility and comfort. • Engage Locally: Seek views from community councils, events groups, and local partners to shape the detail of proposed improvements. 4.3 NEXT STEPS Officers will begin developing a reinvestment proposal based on the above principles, incorporating input from local stakeholders. This may include: - A phased programme of bench removal and replacement (with options for more durable and consistent styles); - New seating or picnic furniture to encourage more active use of space; - Improved waste infrastructure and visual refreshes where appropriate; - Complementary surface or planting works subject to available budget. A full proposal will be presented to Members at a future Committee. 5.0 CONCLUSION 5.1 This report provides a starting point for a considered and meaningful reinvestment of remaining CHORD legacy funds in Colquhoun Square. Through a focus on usability, visual coherence, and civic function, and with input from local stakeholders, the Council can ensure that this funding delivers long- term benefit in keeping with the scale and ambition of the original CHORD investment. 6.0 IMPLICATIONS 6.1 Policy – Supports town centre regeneration and public realm enhancement
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6.2 Financial – Utilises remaining legacy funds with no new allocation required 6.3 Legal – none known 6.4 HR – none known 6.5 Customer Service – will improve a key civic space 6.6 Risk – Clear scope and governance will reduce reputational and delivery risk 6.7 Climate Change – Potential to use recycled materials and reduce maintenance burden 6.8 Fairer Scotland Duty – none known 6.9 Equalities - protected characteristics – none known 6.10 Consumer Duty – none known 6.11 Island Communities – one known 6.12 Children’s Rights and Wellbeing – none known Kirsty Flanagan Executive Director with responsibility for Roads and Infrastructure Policy Lead Cllr John Armour 20/11/25 For further information contact: Mark Calder. Tel: 01546 604756