The overhaul of Dumbarton’s Artizan Centre is taking a step forward with the hiring of a consultant to explore ideas for the site.
West Dunbartonshire councillors on the tendering committee will be asked to approve the awarding of the contract at a meeting tomorrow (Wednesday).
In November, the local authority agreed a £1.7million deal to buy the shopping centre to breathe new life into the town’s High Street.
Officers are now looking at potential development opportunities for the centre, which will be demolished and paid for by the Scottish Government’s Levelling Up Fund.
They are studying how the site can be enhanced to introduce a better link to the town centre and encourage future investment on the High Street.
Chiefs put the awarding of a three-month contract for the appointment of a consultant for the Artizan Centre redevelopment masterplan out to tender.
They say six bids were received, with Fourth Street Place Consultants Ltd, being the most economically advantageous.
If agreed by councillors, the London-based firm will be paid £68,196 ex VAT, with the contract beginning next month.
A report which will be considered by members, reads: “The purpose of the tender was to identify and appoint a suitably qualified and experienced consultant with appropriate urban design and planning, community engagement and commercial experience to deliver development options for the site of the largely vacant Artizan Shopping Centre in Dumbarton.
“The budget of £68,196 is to be funded from the awarded Scottish Government Levelling Up Fund.”
Chiefs say the firm has pledged to provide volunteers to support a local community project, give support for local third sector organisations and facilitate quarterly work experience opportunities.
The cost comes under the £100,000 budget identified for the work.
The council has received £20m from the fund which will also be used towards the development of Glencairn House as a museum and library, and into the creation of more than 5km of cycle and active travel improvements that link the town centre with Dumbarton Central Station.
