Dumfries and Galloway Council is pleased to confirm that it is about to conclude a contract with McLaughlin and Harvey Ltd to carry out the work on DG One.
This follows on from the successful settlement of the legal action against Kier Construction Ltd. The work will fix both external and internal defects. This will include replacement of roof areas, full scale replacement of external cladding, installing water proofing measures, extensive work to the pools, renewal of internal finishes and installation of fire/temperature partitioning between dry and wet sides throughout.
The Council will also take the opportunity to improve on the facilities in the building, taking into account innovations and customer feedback. There will be a focus on an holistic approach to the health and wellbeing of all customers. The leisure water and spa areas are being refreshed and there will be updated gym and studio facilities, alongside a new and improved catering experience.
The Council is committed to providing the best services possible at the facility and has been proactive and consulted customers in order to take this opportunity to adapt the centre to their needs. The team working on the project have also analysed use and customer needs and have identified changes to the building that will improve the way it operates. It is also hoped that some of the Council’s partners such as the NHS will make use of the facility for their clients.
Leader of Dumfries and Galloway Council, Councillor Ronnie Nicholson said: “I am pleased that we are about to conclude this contract with McLaughlin and Harvey Limited, an internationally renowned company with 160 years of experience in delivering quality construction projects. DG One is an issue I inherited when I became Council Leader and like everyone else I have been frustrated and angered by the drawn out legal processes over the past few months. However, the success of the legal action means we are now in a position not only to deliver the remedial work needed to DG One but deliver a whole range of new services in a fully refurbished and significantly improved facility. We have spoken in detail to DG One customers and there will be changes in lay out within the centre, as well as upgrades to the gym and studio facilities, and a new and improved catering experience. In tackling this issue, I’ve made clear from the start that I didn’t just want to see a venue that is fit for purpose but one that actually meets the needs of customers now and in the future, so we have a facility local people can be proud of”
The Council will continue to work with McLaughlin and Harvey Ltd and works should start some time in September. In the meantime, temporary facilities at the Loreburn Hall and swimming pool at Dumfries Ice Bowl will continue to be provided until DG One re-opens. Both these facilities have been successful, with a growing number of users taking part in swimming lessons, gym classes and sports coaching sessions.
