ThinkDunoon Charrette

Charrette Report Scottish Regeneration Forum & & Bute Council

21.07.2017 Contents

Introduction 6 Appendices 124 A: Physical Project Sheets 126 Charrette Process 12 B: Community Engagement 176 Charrette Engagement & Events 12 C: Socio-Economic Analysis 192 Digital Media/Media 14 D: Transport Analysis 200 Think Ideas 16 E: Property Analysis 206 F: Charrette Comments 209 Analysis 22 G: Pecha Kucha 231 Wider Context 22 H: Briefing Notes 232 Landscape Setting 24 I: Art Strategy 245 Centre 26 Historical Context 30 Socio-Economic Context 32 Assets 34 Achievements 36 Challenges & Opportunities 38

Vision & Objectives 42 Vision 42 Objectives 42

Projects 44 Project Theme 1: Think Community 46 > Strengths, Challenges & Aims 46 > Project Action Plan 48

Project Theme 2: Think Local Economy 62 > Strengths, Challenges & Aims 62 > Project Action Plan 64

Project Theme 3: Think Tourism 70 > Strengths, Challenges & Aims 70 > Project Action Plan 72

Project Theme 4: Think Place 78 > Strengths, Challenges & Aims 78 > 2027 Masterplan 80 > Project Action Plan 84

Next Steps 108 Austin-Smith:Lord LLP Project Priority 110 Funding Opportunities 116 Bristol Delivery Plan 119 Cardiff Alliance for Action & The Town Team 120 Liverpool Conclusion 122

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Introduction Introduction

ThinkDunoon Charrette Context ThinkDunoon Charrette Objectives ‘Alliance for Action’ potential ThinkDunoon Consultants

Supported by a community steering group, SURF, the The overaching objective of the ThinkDunoon Charrette In October 2014, Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) The development of ThinkDunoon was undertaken Scottish Urban Regeneration Forum, secured funding from was to prepare a vision for Dunoon town centre to ensure commissioned SURF to undertake a feasibility study into by a multidisciplinary team, and enhanced by the the ’s 2016/17 Design Charrette Fund that the town performs better and is more attractive for establishing an ‘Alliance for Action’ project for . contributions of everyone who participated in the to deliver the ThinkDunoon Design Charrette during March local people and visitors, including day-trippers. process that has informed this report. 2017 that would result in a masterplan for Dunoon. SURF An ‘Alliance for Action’ is a collaborative and shared was supported by Argyll & Bute Council in this project. The community-inspired vision, masterplan and action learning network of private, public and third sector plan encompass the centre of Dunoon, including its individuals and organisations, which collectively seek to Austin-Smith:Lord LLP A design charrette is an intensive consultation that historical core and extending as far as the East and West work together towards a common vision. • Lead Consultants engages local people in shaping the future of their Bays. ThinkDunoon looks to establish a strategic context • Facilitators community. Charrettes are collaborative events that bring and development framework to accommodate Dunoon’s The Rothesay Alliance has proved a success with the • Urban Designers together local people of all ages with experienced design existing conditions, the Conservation Area Regeneration creation of the dedicated post to assist with project • Architects and planning professionals. Together they seek to find Scheme (CARS) projects and the ongoing catalyst projects delivery. Consequently SURF has expanded their • Landscape Architects solutions that will benefit the area over the short, medium including the Hall, the Queens Hall and the Pier. ambition to , with a view to establishing whether • Conservation Architects and long term. the ‘Alliance for Action’ model is suitable for Dunoon. • Planning ThinkDunoon also considers the links between pedestrian SURF had therefore already been engaged with local • Graphics A design team led by Austin-Smith:Lord LLP (urban and road user needs in the Town Centre, the aspirations for people, agencies and community groups in Dunoon and designers, architects and landscape architects) & Douglas changing the tourism experience on arriving in the town ThinkDunoon looked to build on this early work. Douglas Wheeler Associates Wheeler Associates Ltd (local regeneration specialists) and options for increased town centre activities. • Regeneration Consultants with WAVEparticle (artists/engagement), Transport This report summarises the background, process, • Project Managers Planning Ltd (transport consultants), SKS (social In summary Argyll & Bute Council (ABC) and Scottish outcomes and the vision, objectives and projects that • Socio-Economic Regeneration advisers enterprise consultants) and Ryden (property consultants) Urban Regeneration Forum (SURF) aims and objectives for emerged from the ThinkDunoon charrette. From which, it is was commissioned in February 2017 to facilitate the ThinkDunoon were to: intended that an Alliance for Action group can collaborate WAVEparticle (with Stephen Hurrell) ThinkDunoon Design Charrette. to enable, facilitate and prioritise the delivery of the • Artists • Build consensus around a shared vision for the Town ThinkDunoon projects. • Creative Regeneration ThinkDunoon took place on Tuesday 28 – Thursday 30 Centre using design-led intensive community and • Community Engagement March 2017 and over the three-day period the public, stakeholder engagement; • Facilitators businesses, third sector representatives, designers and specialists worked together, ‘hands on’, to prepare a long- • Review existing and identify new opportunities for SKS CIC term vision, development framework and action plan for regeneration, rehabilitation or development of sites/ • Social Enterprise Consultants Dunoon, with the ideas translated into plans and drawings. buildings; A “work in progress” presentation was held on Thursday Transport Planning Ltd. 20 April. • Prepare proposals for improving circulation & • Transport Planning movement between the town centre, the Pier and the • Traffic Management Workshops to discuss, debate and design were held at the East/West Bays to: • Accessibility Pier and a design studio was operational from Tuesday 28 March afternoon until Thursday 30 March. • Encourage footfall Ryden • Improve pedestrian circulation & experience • Property Market Advisers The Pier proved to be an ideal town centre location and • Manage car-borne activity very popular with a significant number of locals and interested parties ‘dropping in’ during the four days to • Identify opportunities and funding to deliver The design team acknowledge and thank all the have their say about the future development of Dunoon. improvements to the physical appearance of the public organisations, community and third sector groups realm & shopfronts; and individuals who contributed to the success of ThinkDunoon follows the enthusiastic participation of ThinkDunoon. residents and businesses in Rothesay, • Improve the quality of the built environment in Tiree and the Crinan Canal charrettes which resulted in conjunction with Conservation Area Regeneration collaborative masterplans being created for these three Scheme investment and identify alternative uses for locations. vacant shops & sites;

• Propose a Masterplan to include short, medium & long term projects.

6 7 Purpose of this report Charrette Process Analysis This report aims to be a reflection of the charrette + process and of the ideas that emerged and were tested over the four days of the ThinkDunoon charrette. The report looks to reflect personal, community, voluntary, business and wider public sector views.

The community feedback gathered during the charrette Dunoon 2027 Vision process together with in depth analysis of Dunoon and its wider context have informed the Dunoon 2027 vision, objectives and projects.

This report provides action plans and priority tables detailing the proposed physical and non-physical Dunoon 2027 Objectives projects which emerged through ThinkDunoon. Attractive, Thriving, Inclusive, Welcoming, Empowered, Accessible and Creative & Distinctive

The action plans and priority tables, as well as the delivery and funding plan are intended as tools for local residents, community groups, Dunoon’s Town Team, Argyll & Bute Council and the Alliance for Action to be able to deliver Dunoon 2027 Vision. Dunoon 2027 Projects Think Community, Think Local Economy, Think Tourism & Think Place The diagram on the adjacent page summarises the report structure.

Dunoon 2027 Funding + Dunoon 2027 Delivery Plan

Delivery

ThinkDunoon Report Structure 8 9 Charrette Process Charrette Engagement & Events

Discuss, Debate, Design Pre-Charrette Database 215 In preparation for the ThinkDunoon Charrette, a team Dunoon Grammar: Dunoon, Kirn, from WAVEparticle visited Dunoon on Friday 10th and St. Mun’s & Sandbank Primary Schools 30 Saturday 11th March. School workshops and various tours Town Centre in-situ 40 of the Town helped gathering initial thoughts on the past, present and future of Dunoon. Tues 28 March Charrette events and activities followed on Tuesday 28th, Transport Walk + Talk: 12 Wednesday 29th March and Thursday 30th March when Schools Workshop 14 pupils + 4 staff the full Charrette Team set up a debate and design studio 4 at the Pier. Various events, workshops and walks were organised at the Pier and around Dunoon. Community Presentations 38 Setting the Agenda 20 The Charrette Team returned to Dunoon for a “Report Back” day on Thursday 20th April to present the Wed 29 March emerging ideas to the community and interested parties. Tourism Workshop 25 The Charrette directly engaged more than 520 individuals Futurewalk 8 and was structured around the following events with Stakeholders Working Lunch 12 attendance as follow: Youth Workshop 13 Business Workshop 15

Thur 30 March

Drop-in 50+ ThinkDunoon Headquarters at The Pier Transport Walk + Talk Work In Progress Presentation 20

School Workshop Community Presentation

ThinkDunoon Poster ThinkDunoon Programme School Workshop Futurewalk 12 13 Digital Media / Media

Beyond the Charrette events and workshops, ThinkDunoon Facebook, Twitter and Padlet pages, accompanied by three articles in the Dunoon Observer, provided additional information and gave the opportunity to the public to engage digitally with the Charrette process. Members of the community and stakeholders also sent suggestions to the Charrette Team via email and post

Facebook Page Likes 409 Page Follows 427 Posts 117 Post Reach 37k+ Post Engagement 1,750

Twitter Tweets 97 Followers 121 Likes 114

Dunoon Observer Articles 3

E-Flyers to database Briefing Note + Updates 6

ThinkDunoon Twitter Page

ThinkDunoon Facebook Page 14 15 Think Ideas

The ideas and issues that were raised during the pre- charrette engagement helped identify a series of topics that were used to guide discussions throughout the ThinkDunoon Events:

Community Building Open Space Getting Around Business/ Economy Tourism

The various topics were discussed throughout drop-in sessions, one-to-one discussions, focused workshops and on social media. A copy of the submitted written comments can be found in Appendix F.

The issues, ideas and ambition that emerged through this process helped shape the Dunoon 2027 Vision, Objectives, Programmes and Projects.

Below: sample quotes Below: sample quotes

“Talk up Dunoon - Be Positive! Be Proud!” “More indoor activities to compensate wet weather”

“Attitude - Build an inclusive community” “Finally deal with portakabins! Very poor first impression next to passenger ferry” “Lots of great work by local voluntary organisations is undermined by funding models that insist on ‘self- “Concentrate on maintaining existing buildings to sustaining’ outcomes. Not just a Dunoon problem but complement on-going works to Queens Hall, Burgh Hall hardest in low populations densities - not a big enough & Dunoon Pier etc.” pool of volunteers. Just need a bit of on-going admin/ co-ordination “ “The old Art Deco Cinema (if refurbished), the Queen’s Hall and the Burgh Hall have the potential to become “Promote activities wider eg. to hard to reach groups i.e. three lively cultural anchors that would help breathe mental health/addictions” new life into the town” “More youth provision: lack of space & programmed events” “There is no wet weather alternative, this should be a museum marking the American years” “Queens Hall -> Aspiration to make sure it is vibrant and accessible to the community” “Look at repurposing vacant spaces inside the Post Office building. Studios? Workspace?” “A free space in town for rural workers where we can do emails, work with very good internet access” “The Pier is the most important feature and needs to be sorted out” “Easier access to shops and services for less able people” “Empty shops need to be repurposed” “Cowal has dozens of artists, makers and craftspeople - this should be promoted” “A tool library!”

Charrette Comments Board “We need allotments and a food-coop” 16 17 Below: sample quotes Below: sample quotes Below: sample quotes Below: sample quotes

“Layout benches and tables for people to meet and “Parking = should utilise system like - free short “Limitation of shop types - too many charity shops & “Two angles should be better defined: Dunoon/ Cowal children to play, more people would stay in town. ” stay clock” chemists. Outdoor pursuits shop needed” as a place to live + as a place to visit.”

“We need more opportunities for kids to play” “A suitable ferry - people will come + stay if it works” “A cohesive strategy for bringing tourists needs to “A website with practical info for people considering consolidate all the many initiatives already underway.” “Skate/ Bike park. Close to West Bay - open, easily “Easier access to shops/ facilitities for disabled people” moving to Dunoon would be great + not cost much.” accessible and visible not hidden at the back of Dunoon” “Not enough ads about Dunoon attractions” “Better signage” “Rural Dunoon businesses face specific logistical “Pavement trail from ferry to centre with timeline of challenges such as lack of reliable couriers, no 24h “The Town has to build around its enormous natural town history on slabs” “Signage at Hunter’s Quay + on ferry, map of attractions“ delivery, being treated as ‘Highlands’ with postage sub capital” charges” “Concerned about the decline of Argyll Street” “Ferry service should be improved / better conencting “We should build on how bike-friendly the area is - we “Retailers should be supported to between the two ferries” develop a well- could use a bike repar/hire shop” presented, high-quality, niche shopping experience that “The West Bay could be a fabulous seafront with really would increase footfall” excellent play equipment, beach huts, nice places to sit” “Argyll Street: Car Parking system should be clarified” “It would be great to have an app to navigate the heritage of the Clyde from Glasgow to Dunoon” “A Dunoon daily text mesage/email service should be “The Old Gas Works would be an ideal spot for a kick- “We should have more extensive cycle routes” developed, with event alerts and business offers” about area” “Better up-to-date and maintained notice boards for locals and tourists” “ ” “Close-off Argyll Street for a Christmas Event” More collaboration between businesses “Festivals as fringe event around Cowal gatherings” “An art trail along the beach” “Create more water/river activities”

“A new campsite in Dunoon?”

“Create facilities for boats (marinas...)” 18 19 Analysis Dunoon’s Wider Context

Arrochar Alps Dunoon is a small town of 9,400 inhabitants located on Park Glen the west coast of Scotland and along the eastern edge of p Donich p the Cowal Peninsula. p LOMOND p Ardgarten & TROSSACH Strachur Smiddy Museum It is the second biggest settlement in Argyll & Bute and p NATIONAL PARK the main town on the Cowal Peninsula. Loch Fyne p Primary Roads Loch Goil Luss Secondary Roads Castle Lachan p Connectivity Carrick Balmaha To access Dunoon, one can travel by car/train to Gourock p Dunans Castle Castle Loch Railway

Loch Eck Loch p p Ferry and take the pedestrian or vehicular ferries to Dunoon or, Lomond National Cycle alternatively, drive along the A82/83 past Benmore p Gardens Glenarn Network and through Cowal. COWAL p Gardens p Argyll Sea Carved Blairmore p Duchess Stones Puck Glen Pier Linn Woods Kayak Trail

p Gardens Glasgow-Dunoon can take from 1h20 (car or train + ferry) p p Loch Gare p Main Attractions* p p to 2h (car only). Prestwick Airport can be reached within Kilmun + Loch Lomond & 1h30 from Dunoon (ferry + car). Trossach National Hunter’s Quay Castle + Park Dunoon is more easily accessed from the sea than from Museum Gourock p the land which creates a distinctive “island feel” and quite Caol Ruadh + + Kyle of Bute Dunoon+ McInroy * Source: a spectacular approach to the town. p p exploreargyll.co.uk

Cowal peninsula Cowal is branded as the “seaboard gateway” to Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park and to the Scottish Highlands. The peninsula enjoys the benefits of the Gulf Ostel Bay Stream warmth which nurtures its incredible landscapes p OF Glasgow ranging from sea lochs, hills & mountains to forests & CLYDE gardens. Cowal is a destination in itself and offers a broad Argyll Sea SEASCAPE range of cultural and outdoors activities. Kayak Trail + National Context Local Context Argyll & Bute Settlements Dunoon Helensburgh | 15,430 Dunoon is located at the threshold of two distinctive Dunoon is at the departure point of the National Cycle Dunoon | 9,400 landscapes: Network 75 and located along the route of the Argyll Sea | 8,180 Kayak Trail. It is the gateway to Cowal and Loch Lomond | 4,810 - The wooded hills and valleys of Corlarach Forest & and The Trossachs National Park with many attractions Rothesay | 4,750 Bishop Glen, both characteristic of the wider Argyll Forest on its doorstep, from castles to hills and from gardens & | 2,610 and Cowal Hills & Mountains landscapes forests to cultural hubs. Lochgilphead | 2,280 Cardross | 2,110 - The seascape of the Inner and Upper Kilcreggan | 1,340 Tarbert | 1,300 | 1,280 Port Bannatyne | 1,230 | 1,180 Tobermory | 970 Bowmore | 860 Port Ellen | 850 | 660 Dunbeg | 660 | 650

Other Settlements and Cities shown on the adjacent map Glasgow | 598,830 Gourock | 10,370

Source: Argyll & Bute Council NRS (2012) 2010-based settlement estimates and General Record of Scotland (2015). Regional Context Argyll Forest Firth of Clyde 22 23 Dunoon’s Landscape Setting Core Path Network Ferry Route Dunoon’s landscape setting, formed by wooded hills, the An interesting example is the recently created and highly Firth seascape, a rocky outcrop around which the town successful Mountain Biking Trail which has put Dunoon on Vehicular +Ferry was built and two Burns (Milton and Blagaish), is what the map as a high quality destination for outdoor activities. Terminal makes the town incredibly unique and offers both visitors However, if Dunoon’s landscape is to support its economy Loch and locals with an extensive array of outdoor experiences. in a sustainable manner, it is crucial that a landscape Loskin Dunoon’s landscape should support its economy at every management plan is adopted to preserve its environment scale. (refer to Project 4.H4).

Bishop Glen Loch Loskin

INNER BISHOP’S FIRTH OF GLEN CLYDE Milton Burn

Bishop’s EAST Glen Reservoir BAY

Cowal Mountain Biking Trail View of the Inner Firth of Clyde from Dunoon

+Passenger Ferry Terminal

CORLARACH FOREST Blagaish Burn WEST The Gantocks BAY

L - Map showing Dunoon’s immediate landscape context Corlarach Loop Views onto the Firth from Corlarach Forest 24 25 Dunoon Town Centre Dunoon has an incredible townscape with a high quality As mentioned previously, Dunoon has an unique landscape Dunoon’s Stadium built heritage (see “A Short History of Dunoon”). Argyll setting. A few coastal views can be enjoyed from Argyll Cemetery Street is Dunoon’s main retail core. This main street is Street and Dunoon’s main open spaces are strategically flanked by two cultural anchors: located as they create prime viewpoints to embrace the wooded hills, the undulating landscape surrounding the • The Queen’s Hall building is currently being refurbished burns and the Firth. with new associated public realm as well (Malcolm Fraser Architects and ERZ). The new hall will feature a Health However, it was highlighted during the ThinkDunoon and Fitness Suite, the Town’s Library, Skills Development charrette that Dunoon open spaces and public realm Scotland, VisitScotland and a Community Soft Play Space. looked dated and were under-used; one of the challenges that the ThinkDunoon masterplan and projects aim to F • The newly refurbished Burgh Hall, after decades of tackle (see Project Theme 4: Think Place). Milton Burn neglection and disuse, reopened its doors in June 2017 Promenade E following a long-running community campaign to retain the building. The major refurbishment programme led by Alexandra Parade Page/Park Architects and undertaken thanks to funding secured by the Dunoon Burgh Hall Trust, allowed this 10 Promenade remarkable building to become one of Dunoon’s Events & St Johns Church D Cultural Hub. Grounds East Bay 6 9 7 8 C5 Hanover Street Gardens

17 4 Argyll 11 Gardens 16 15 G 14 B 13 1 3 A 2 12 Castlehill Park Victoria Parade 1. The Pier 3. Castle House Promenade

West Bay

Play Park

Charrette Study Area Listed Buildings (Cat. A & B Listed) Main Civic Buildings Existing Open Spaces 1 The Pier (A) 8 Moir Pl. Tenement (B) 15 Ballochyle House (B) Intertidal Areas 2 The Gate House (B) 9 Clyde Cottage (B) 16G Hillfoot St Primary (B) 3A The Castle House (B) 10 George Hotel (B) 17 Milton House (B) Coastal Views from Argyll St 4 Argyll Hotel (B) 11 Auchamore (B) B Queen’s Hall Proposed Conservation Area Burgh Hall (B) Beach House (B) Surgery (May 2016) 5C 12 D 6 St Johns Church (A) 13 Castle St. Houses (B) E St Mun’s Primary Retail Core 7 (B) 14 High Kirk (B) F Library

M - Maps of Dunoon’s Town Centre 4. Argyll Hotel 5. Burgh Hall 26 27 6. St Johns Church B. Queen’s Hall (currently being refurbished - Malcolm Fraser Architects) Hanover Street Gardens St Johns Grounds

16. Hillfoot Primary School Argyll Street Milton Burn Promenade (1) Milton Burn Promenade (2)

Castlehill Park Argyll Gardens Alexandra Parade Promenade Victoria Parade Promenade

28 29 Historical Context

A brief History of Dunoon Dunoon’s Architectural Heritage The town of Dunoon has a very interesting early history One could say that the construction of Castle House (the relating to the strategic location of the Castle and the current museum) in 1822 to a design by David Hamilton, early clan wars between the Lamonts & Campbells and the (the house of James Ewing, Lord Provost of Glasgow, who English of Henry the 8th. was also MP for the Clyde by 1832) was to set the tone of the marine villa style that characterises Dunoon. In 1825, Dunoon was a village of some 4 or 5 houses, with very little population. In early 19th century, Dunoon The other key buildings are the St Johns Church and the became a fashionable resort. By 1833, 200 new houses Burgh hall, both by the architect Robert Bryden who were constructed to respond to the increase in population. also worked on the design of most of Quarrier’s Village. The cost of these buildings was covered through private By 1881, 4,680 people were established in Dunoon. funding which indicates the immense wealth in the town. The church cost £10,000 to construct, a fortune at the The surviving wooden steamboat jetty constructed in 1835, time. ahead of the railways, is a highly significant architectural element. Argyll Street is a compact and pleasant Victorian street studded with a variety of building types and ages, In 1895, due to the railways in the Clyde from 1841, over 100 although the majority are early to late Victorian with the paddle steamers used to arrive and depart from Dunoon exception of some early Edwardian buildings and the old daily. Art Deco Cinema “La Scala” which was erected in the 1930’s. During WW2, an anti-submarine bomb was anchored along the shores of Dunoon, where the Crazy Golf In conclusion, with its predominantly Victorian Townscape, currently is. In 1961, as the intensified, Dunoon has an highly valuable architectural heritage. became a U.S. Navy base. The base shut down in 1992.

“ from the Gantock Rocks”, The Pier, 19th Century Drawn by W.Brown and engraved by W.Miller

The American years The American years Dunoon, 1900 30 31 Socio-Economic Context

This section summarises the Socio -Economic Profile Cowal population approx 13,200: 15% of Argyll & Bute Employment by Industry, 2011 of Dunoon that was used in the ThinkDunoon briefing pop. Source HIE sessions. The complete Power Point that includes a summary of the Economic, Community and Planning Dunoon population 9,960 in 2011 Context is in included as Appendix C.

Initial Socio Economic Overview: Conclusions

Weaknesses

• Population increase is below average: not actual decline Manufacturing • High level of unemployment & high benefit claimant rate Construction • Dunoon: SIMD (2016) shows 2/11 datazones in 10% most deprived & 1/11 datazones in 5% most deprived

• Recent HIE study on the attitudes of the young people Dunoon was one of the lowest scoring as a place young people would like to return to

• Partial 4G coverage Argyll & Bute: - 14% (12,000 people) • Proximity to Glasgow Greater Glasgow City Region: is Scotland +9% also a positive Dunoon: SIMD (2016) • Town Centre: low footfall levels: substantial depletion of 2/11 datazones with 10% most deprived visitors: loss of some coach trips 1/11 datazones with 5% most deprived

Strengths Employment by Industry 2011: Source • Argyll Street: 75 mostly independent shops: low HIEDataShine Scotland Commute: Dunoon(2011 Census) vacancies but Yorkshire Building Society & Clydesdale Bank are closing

• Growing number of technology, creative & other businesses

• Expanded customer services centre

• Highlands & Islands Enterprise managed Sandbank Industrial Park

• Investment at Ardyne Fish Processing Centre by Scottish Salmon Company. This project was flagged up in the Argyll & Bute Economic Forum Report 2016 and highlights the future importance of food processing in a more diversified local economy. If the project proceeds, it will have a positive impact on the Cowal/Dunoon economy and potential job prospects.

32 33 Assets

Dunoon’s Main Assets

Dunoon has several assets that should be enhanced and supported to strengthen Dunoon’s offer. One of the town’s main assets is its incredible landscape setting with exceptional vistas from the town centre and high quality architectural heritage as well as a strong retail core with a base of more than 75 mostly independent businesses.

The town also has a rich history and a high quality architectural, social and cultural heritage. Dunoon also has a talented, resourceful and lively community, with an impressive and wide range of more than 45 community groups and organisations including active community, Milton Burn youth, arts and sports groups in Dunoon and the WOODED HIILS Alexandra Parade surrounding area. Promenade Promenade St Johns Church Dunoon and The Cowal Peninsula have a growing Grounds network of arts, cultural and creative businesses and organisations. East Bay There are also some strong existing partnerships (e.g. driven by Dunoon Community Council, Burgh Hall Trust, Dunoon Presents BID, Argyll & Bute Third Sector Interface Hanover Street and Cowal Marketing Group/Argyll & Isles Tourism Coop). Argyll Street Gardens Dunoon is the main town on the Cowal Peninsula, the gateway to Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park and is also strategically located on the edge of the Greater Glasgow City Region with a population of around 1.7m within the catchment.

Castlehill Park Passenger Ferry Victoria Parade Promenade

FIRTH OF CLYDE West Bay Coastal Setting

Play Park

Strong Retail Core: High Quality Built Argyll Street Heritage: Listed Buildings High Quality Vistas Incredible Landscape: Setting + Open Spaces The Gantocks

Map showing Dunoon’s Main Assets 34 35 Achievements

Dunoon’s Main Achievements

Dunoon has a long list of recent investments and achievements:

• The refurbishment of the Burgh Hall and Queen’s Hall, respectively worth circa £1.9m and £8.8m

• The partial refurbishment of the Pier (£2.3m)

• The general refurbishment of Dunoon School Estate with the aim to deliver excellence in education with specific funding secured for: > The refurbishment of the historical Dunoon Primary School (£8.7m) which will be providing space for 300 pupils as well as 30 nursery spaces. > The renovation of Kirn Primary School (£6.7m) with the refurbishment of the 1881 school building, the demolition of the Burgh Hall 1950 extension and the construction of a new facility with classrooms, library, dining room and sports hall. The completion is expected for Autumn 2017 with 320 primary and 30 nursery pupils moving in.

• The setting up of Dunoon Presents BID (Business Improvement District). Dunoon BID is driven by private sector businesses with the support of local authorities and Queen’s Hall aim to promote the Town and help businesses to work together to undertake projects which would strengthen the local business community. Dunoon BID have been very successful at organising sporting, music/culture and Dunoon Primary community events that have helped “put Dunoon on the map”.

The 2017 programme includes:

Conservation Area > Sporting Events Regeneration > SXC Mountain Biking Round 3 Scheme Funding > Dunoon Triathlon > Scottish Enduro MTB Series > Championship > Road Cycling Sportive > Kids MTB Enduro Weekend > Dunoon Half Marathon & 10k > Dunoon Ultra Marathon The Pier > Music/Culture Events (Initial Phase of > Revival Music Weekender > Dunoon Book Festival Refurbishment) > Community Events > Sunset Ceremony > Dunoon Dazzles

• Dunoon also recently secured Conservation Area Regeneration Scheme (CARS) funding to deliver a series of projects to enhance and promote its heritage.

Map showing Dunoon’s Main Physical Projects Achievements 36 37 Challenges & Opportunities

Dunoon’s Main Challenges

As mentioned previously, Dunoon is more easily accessible Old Gas from the sea than from the land which gives Dunoon an Works “island feel”. This is part of the town’s charm but creates Pilot Street the perception that it is difficult to get to. In spite of Site being part of mainland Argyll & Bute, Dunoon can appear remote and isolated.

Milton Burn Upon arrival at the pedestrian ferry terminal, visitors are Alexandra met with an unwelcoming space and the route from the Promenade terminal to the Town Centre is unpleasant, unsafe and not Parade suitably sign-posted which doesn’t help to attract people into Dunoon’s retail core. On a similar note, the shore, both Old Scottish Hydro at the East and West Bays, is not easily accessible from Electric Shop the Town Centre. Old Post Office Dunoon has a few vacant and derelict sites and buildings St Johns Church Difficult beach which could benefit from being repurposed. Most of the Grounds access town’s public realm is underused, cluttered, dated and disjointed with poor pedestrian and cycle connections.

Dunoon struggles to attract and retain visitors, Argyll Street entrepreneurs and young people. There is also a strong Hanover Street volunteer fatigue amongst the community. Gardens Argyll Gardens

Top floor of M&Co Dunoon Main Opportunities (Old La Scala Cinema) As listed in the “Achievements” section, Dunoon has secured a significant amount of funding in the previous years, both for ongoing and future projects. It is Dunoon Castlehill important that the town builds on those improvements Primary School Park and investments, especially when it comes to the CARS funding. Old McColls Poor sense Hotel Site With its distinctive landscape, heritage and maritime of arrival history, Dunoon has the potential to develop an Victoria authentic visitor experience. General enhancement of Parade the public realm/pedestrian circulation, improved choice of accommodation and better digital connection would encourage visitors coming to Dunoon via Bus Tours to stay and explore. These changes would also benefit the local community. Play Park Dunoon is home to a range of unique independent retails, service businesses and crafts people, important assets which should be supported and promoted. There is an opportunity to grow existing business across all sectors.

Underused/dated sites

Vacant and derelict sites and buildings

Poor Quality Pedestrian Connection

Map showing Dunoon’s Main Challenges

38 39 Vision & Objectives Dunoon 2027 Dunoon 2027 Dunoon 2027 Vision Objectives Projects

In 2027, Dunoon is a fine town and a real destination. In order to achieve Dunoon 2017 Vision, 7 objectives A series of projects have been defined through the It’s the town centre for Cowal that has grasped its have been defined: ThinkDunoon Charrette Process to deliver the Dunoon opportunity for positive change. It celebrates success 2027 Vision and Objectives. and capitalises on recent investment. 1. ATTRACTIVE DUNOON: Making Dunoon an attractive Projects range from: place to live for all, at all stages in life. The strong community has pulled together to work with public, private and voluntary sectors as a Town Team. • Small scale projects which could be undertaken at local 2. THRIVING DUNOON: Developing a thriving, mixed level by community groups and carried out within the next local economy for Dunoon. It’s both a Hub in itself and a Gateway to Argyll and the few years. Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park for all 3. INCLUSIVE DUNOON: Creating an inclusive town year-round outdoor activities with great access to the centre with accessible services and digital connection for • Medium scale projects which would require more Firth of Clyde and west Central Scotland. all. coordination, planning and funding at a regional level It’s a fine place to live and visit; between mountains, 4. WELCOMING DUNOON: Establishing Dunoon as a • Large projects, which build on small and medium forests and the Firth. It’s an attractive, active place – a quality visitor destination. projects and require coordination at a national level. distinctive, historic town with a strong culture, arts, maritime and heritage offer and superb natural heritage 5. EMPOWERED DUNOON: Strengthening the Projects have been categorised in 4 themes: setting. It has a clear sense of itself and future direction engagement and empowerment of Dunoon’s local and a pride in its people, produce and place. community. Project Theme 1: Think Community Project Theme 2: Think Local Economy The quality of lifestyle is renowned, attracting people to 6. ACCESSIBLE DUNOON: Creating excellent transport Project Theme 3: Think Tourism start up business and be creative. Innovation ensures it’s connections (pedestrian, cycle, ferry, bus and car). Project Theme 4: Think Place a vibrant and convivial town that gives a great welcome for all. 7. CREATIVE & DISTINCTIVE DUNOON: Maximising the The next chapters provide an action plan for each one of potential of Dunoon’s high quality creative and cultural the project themes. assets as well as its natural, built and social heritage.

Project Theme 1: Project Theme 2: Community Local Economy

Attractive Thriving Attractive Thriving

Creative Dunoon Dunoon Inclusive Creative Dunoon Inclusive & Distinctive 2027 2027 & Distinctive 2027 Vision Vision Vision

Accessible Welcoming Accessible Welcoming

Empowered Empowered

Project Theme 3: Project Theme 4: Tourism Place

42 43 Projects

Project Title, Location 1.0 Project Theme 1 Think Community

You Said “Talk up Dunoon - Be Positive! Be Proud!” “We need more opportunities for kids to play” “More youth provision: lack of space & programmed events” “Build on “Vital Spark”* experience” “Need allotments provision & food growing coop” “Requirement for a space to work while waiting for ferries etc.” “Lots of great work by volunteers but need more coordination & less insistence on ‘self-sustaining’ funding”

Strengths Aims Overall this project theme will promote: THINK COMMUNITY There is an impressive and wide range of groups and This theme highlights projects which aim to encourage PROJECT LIST organisations in Dunoon with more than forty-five active more volunteering, widen membership of groups and • Successful health and wellbeing outcomes by increasing community, youth, arts and sports groups in Dunoon empower and build further capacity within communities physical activity levels to increase life expectancy and 1.A Social Enterprise and the surrounding area. There are also some strong in Dunoon. The aim is to enable groups to do more decrease health inequalities & Third Sector Opportunities partnerships (e.g. driven by Dunoon Community Council, themselves and by working more closely in partnership Burgh Hall Trust, Dunoon Presents BID, Argyll & Bute Third with each other. The new context created by The • Growing arts and sports and participation with wider and 1.A1 The Gateway Project Sector Interface, Dunoon Regeneration Party) and other Community Empowerment Act (25 July 2015) and for deeper engagement in the local community will promote 1.A2 The Castle House Museum social networks. Therefore, the extensive social capital in example, the Community Asset Transfer and Community community leadership, strengthen individual clubs/groups, 1.A3 American Years Heritage Museum Dunoon and the surrounding area means that third sector Right To Buy, raise a number of opportunities for third widen membership and provide clear pathways that offer 1.A4 West Beach Improvement organisations like Argyll & Bute Third Sector Interface and sector organisations in Dunoon to suggest ideas as to how more opportunities to participate. 1.A5 Adopt Esplanade the emerging Alliance for Action could be well placed services could be changed to improve outcomes for the 1.A6 Cycle hub to develop even more innovative approaches to building community and actively contribute to the local economy. In Dunoon “The Vital Spark” initiative has already helped capacity to provide local services and facilities. This includes unlocking funding from sources like the stimulate and support local people to turn their social 1.B Community Ownership & Management: Big Lottery (Investing in Ideas/Awards for All) and Argyll enterprise ideas into solutions for the challenges their Key Sites/Buildings & Facilities Challenges and Bute Health and Social Care Partnership. (Health & community faces by providing start-up and business On the other hand, the ThinkDunoon events highlighted a Wellbeing Network). support advice. Discussions at the ThinkDunoon events 1.B1 Dunoon & Sandbank Growing Site number of issues around the need to continue to improve highlighted the need to further engage the Dunoon 1.B2 Queen’s Hall the ‘civic health’ of Dunoon including: Dunoon also has more than the Scottish average of people community and promote a more inclusive community with 1.B3 The Gateway Project temporary space over 65+ (Dunoon 23.8% & Scotland 16.8% - See Appendix an emphasis on social interactions that allow communities 1.B4 Co-Worker Base • Over more recent times, there appears to be perceived C). Therefore, in Dunoon, there is a particular need to take to network and build relationships. Continuing to build this 1.B5 Programming use of outside gathering/social spaces loss of civic pride, identity and capacity in the community, a preventive approach to continue to improve the health, kind of social capital is critical in Dunoon and the wider with responsibility falling on a limited number of volunteers well-being and quality of life of the community and area. It will enable people to improve the quality of their 1.C Coordination & information Exchange and there are real variations in community capacity to reduce the reliance on health and care services including: lives and move to more resilient communities who have the develop projects and access funding; ability to bounce-back and adapt to social and economic 1.C1 Community Networking • Promoting a Wellbeing Hub (Dunoon Hospital) and challenges. 1.C2 Support Volunteers • The perceived lack of resilience, confidence and esteem, Struan Lodge as a community support hub and national 1.C3 Third Sector Organisations sometimes referred to as ‘apathy’ amongst the residents centre of excellence in elderly care are part of the ‘One 1.C4 Social Entrepreneurship and businesses, has to be challenged; Public Sector: Smarter Places’ coordinated approach that is now being implemented the Argyll Community Planning • Local people and organisations need to have the Partnership. The following pages provide a detailed Action Plan for capacity and leadership to work effectively with each each project. other and with their partners to influence development • Continuing to improve local access to health services, plans; coordination of existing services and awareness/ provision of information will all be essential. Good • The Dunoon commuting pattern with 748 individuals health in mind, body and spirit and well-being are clearly leaving, 873 arriving and 267 working from home (See fundamental. Appendix C - Datashine Scotland Commute 2011 Census Diagram) could result in constraints on the availability of • Continuing to engage local children and young people volunteer skills and resources; in participative music, arts, sports and civic activity in Dunoon will also be essential. • Out-migration has sometimes resulted in the loss of working young people with particular skills and some residents, especially the elderly who are more isolated.

46 47 Project Theme 1 Think Community Projects Action Plan

For further detail on funding, please refer to p.116-118 For further detail on funding, please refer to p.116-118

Project Project Name Project Description Recommended Timescale Next Steps Project Project Name Project Description Recommended Timescale Next Steps Number Key Partners Number Key Partners

1.A1 Social Enterprise Gateway Project: Lead Agencies Short/ • Initiate discussions 1.A2 Social Enterprise Castle House Museum: Lead Agencies Short/ • Initiate discussions & Third Sector gatewaydunoon.co.uk Medium to establish principles & Third Sector Medium to establish principles Opportunities: • Alliance for Opportunities: Future development and • Alliance for The Gateway Purpose-built Action • Test and make the The Castle House securing investment to make Action • Test and make the Project accommodation for strategic business & Museum the museum an even more strategic business community and youth • Dunoon Baptist funding case inspiring place to visit with • Castle House & funding case, project is stalled and could Church more things to do including Museum Trust coordinate and deliver benefit from assistance on • BLF, for example, possible open air exhibits. investment in new & accessing funding/making Other will fund a faith Other improved services & the business case. Stakeholders and organisation if the Also refer to Project 4.A4 Stakeholders and facilities Delivery Partners organisation has the Delivery Partners usual committee, • Confirm plans, • Argyll & Bute constitution, bank • Argyll & Bute programming & Council account & accounts. Council activity: capital & The organisation revenue implications • Argyll & Bute however may have • Argyll & Bute Third Sector issues around Third Sector • Identify added Interface accepting Lottery Interface value of investment: funding and this economic & • Community would all have to be • Community community benefits Planning explored with the Planning Partnership Gateway Partnership • Provide specialist capacity building • Just Enterprise • Confirm plans, • Argyll & Bute funding, business programming & Library and planning & support • Vital Spark activity: capital & Leisure Charitable revenue implications Trust Potential Funders • Identify added Potential Funders • BLF Awards for value of investment: All/Investing In economic & • BLF Awards for Ideas community benefits All/Investing In Ideas • BLF Investing in • Provide specialist Communities capacity building, • BLF Investing in funding, business Communities • Great Place planning & support Scheme • Great Place Scheme • Scottish Government • Scottish Strengthening Government Communities Strengthening Programme Communities Programme

48 49 Project Theme 1 Think Community Projects Action Plan

For further detail on funding, please refer to p.116-118 For further detail on funding, please refer to p.116-118

Project Project Name Project Description Recommended Timescale Next Steps Project Project Name Project Description Recommended Timescale Next Steps Number Key Partners Number Key Partners

1.A3 Social Enterprise US Navy – Holy Loch Back Lead Agency Short/ • Initiate discussions 1.A4 Social Enterprise West Beach improved Lead Agency Short/ • Initiate discussions & Third Sector Story: Medium to establish principles & Third Sector access: Medium to establish principles Opportunities: • Alliance for for the feasibility Opportunities: • Alliance for American Initial feasibility study on the Action study West Beach Investment in kids activities, Action • Test and make the Years Heritage possibility of establishing a improved access sea kayaking facilities & strategic business Museum permanent exhibition/facility Other • Test and make the moorings Other & funding case, with images, artefacts and Stakeholders and strategic business & Stakeholders and coordinate and deliver digital/aural material that Delivery Partners funding case, Also refer to Project 4.F1. Delivery Partners investment in new & captures the community improved services & experience. • Argyll & Bute • Identify/confirm • Argyll & Bute facilities Council occupiers/ Council Also refer to Project 4.G3. users, partners & • Identify/confirm • Argyll & Bute stakeholders • Argyll & Bute occupiers/ Third Sector Third Sector users, partners & Interface • Confirm plans, Interface stakeholders programming & • Community activity: capital & • Community • Confirm plans, Planning revenue implications Planning programming & Partnership Partnership activity: capital & • Identify added revenue implications • Argyll & Bute value of investment: • Just Enterprise Library and economic & • Identify added Leisure Charitable community benefits • Vital Spark value of investment: Trust economic & • Provide specialist Potential Funders community benefits capacity building, Potential Funders funding, business • BLF Awards for • Provide specialist planning & support All/Investing In capacity building, • BLF Awards for Ideas funding, business All/Investing In planning & support Ideas • BLF Investing in Communities • BLF Investing in Communities • Great Place Scheme • Great Place Scheme • Scottish Government • Scottish Strengthening Government Communities Strengthening Programme Communities Programme

50 51 Project Theme 1 Think Community Projects Action Plan

For further detail on funding, please refer to p.116-118 For further detail on funding, please refer to p.116-118

Project Project Name Project Description Recommended Timescale Next Steps Project Project Name Project Description Recommended Timescale Next Steps Number Key Partners Number Key Partners

1.A5 Social Enterprise Adopt Esplanade: Lead Agency Short/ • Initiate discussions 1.A6 Social Enterprise Explore the possibilities Lead Agency Short/ • Initiate discussions & Third Sector Medium to establish principles & Third Sector of promoting Dunoon Medium to establish principles Opportunities: A curated by community • Alliance for Opportunities: as a cycling town and • Alliance for Adopt Esplanade arts/outdoor gallery, light Action • Test and make the Cycle hub establishing a cycling hub Action • Test and make the works, interpretation and strategic business possibly located in an strategic business roller skating opportunities Other & funding case, existing building. The hub Other & funding case, Stakeholders and coordinate and deliver could include: Stakeholders and coordinate and deliver Also refer to Project 4.E2 Delivery Partners investment in new & Delivery Partners investment in new & improved services & • Café & cycle shop improved services & • Argyll & Bute facilities • Argyll & Bute facilities Council • Refurbishing bikes project Council • Identify/confirm and regular mass cycling • Identify & assess • Argyll & Bute occupiers/ participation events • Argyll & Bute potential buildings/ Third Sector users, partners & Third Sector sites Interface stakeholders • Range of road/MTB graded Interface & family friendly routes • Identify/confirm • Community • Confirm plans, building on success of Cowal • Community occupiers/ Planning programming & MTB Club trails Planning users, partners & Partnership activity: capital & Partnership stakeholders revenue implications • Focus for maintaining a • Just Enterprise choice of cycle routes and • Just Enterprise • Confirm plans, • Identify added facilities programming & • Vital Spark value of investment: • Vital Spark activity: capital & economic & • Establishing improved revenue implications Potential Funders community benefits links into the wider LLTNP Potential Funders & Sustrans’ National Cycle • Identify added • BLF Awards for • Provide specialist Network with a possible • BLF Awards for value of investment: All/Investing In capacity building, Sustrans & locals volunteer All/Investing In economic & Ideas funding, business base Ideas community benefits planning & support • BLF Investing in • Generating regular income • BLF Investing in • Provide specialist Communities for the local economy; Communities capacity building, funding, business • Great Place • Active travel & promoting • Great Place planning & support Scheme modal shift: local people, as Scheme well as visitors, to cycle more • Scottish and • Scottish Government Government Strengthening • Electric bikes and charging Strengthening Communities points Communities Programme Programme • Contribute to local tourism plans and economic regeneration strategies.’

Also refer to Project 3.4 & 4.H2.

52 53 Project Theme 1 Think Community Projects Action Plan

For further detail on funding, please refer to p.116-118 For further detail on funding, please refer to p.116-118

Project Project Name Project Description Recommended Timescale Next Steps Project Project Name Project Description Recommended Timescale Next Steps Number Key Partners Number Key Partners

1.B1 Community Dunoon & Sandbank Growing Lead Agency Short/ Issues to be resolved 1.B2 Community Queens Hall will be a hub for Lead Agency Short/ • Initiate discussions Ownership & Site: Medium include: Ownership & skills & learning, gathering / Medium to establish principles Management: Key • Alliance for Management: Key meeting, library, fitness, café • Alliance for Sites/Buildings & Community interest in Action • Highland & Island Sites/Buildings & & soft play. Dunoon Burgh Action • Test and make the Facilities: acquiring 12 acres ‘triangle’ Enterprise (HIE) views Facilities: Hall Trust, with its experience strategic business Dunoon & of land or similar for use as a Other on the Dunoon & Queen’s Hall and knowledge in engaging Other & funding case, Sandbank community growing/orchard/ Stakeholders and Sandbank Growing with the community in Stakeholders and coordinate and deliver Delivery Partners Growing Site learning opportunities and Site cultural projects, should Delivery Partners investment in new & possibly with basic space for be one of Queen’s Hall key improved services & • Argyll & Bute temporary volunteer workers • Evidence of collaborators and play a • Argyll & Bute facilities Council (e.g. Branching Out Argyll, significant community role in the programming & Council www.wwoof.org.uk). • Highlands & support (untested) coordinating uses & events Highlands & Islands Islands Enterprise in Queens Hall and the use of • Argyll & Bute Enterprise (HIE), who own (owner) • Identifying a shadow the outside space Library and the site, have viewed this as board leading to Charitable Trust future development land for Potential Funders incorporation e.g. the Business Park Scottish Charitable • Burgh Hall Trust • ‘BLF Awards for Incorporated All/Investing In Organisation (SCIO) Ideas Potential Funders • Community right • BLF Investing in to buy opportunities • Insert ‘BLF Communities (on ground that site is Awards for derelict etc) All/Investing In • SG Ideas Strengthening • Local Development Communities Plan 2 might need to • BLF Investing in Programme reallocate use of land Communities • Argyll & The Isles Coast & Next step: • Scottish Countryside Trust Agree principles Government Branching Out Strengthening Communities • SNH Green Programme Infrastructure Fund • Argyll and the • SNH Scottish Isles Culture, Rural Development Heritage and Arts Programme Assembly

• Forestry • Creative Place Commission Project Scotland – Woods in and around • CashBack For (WIAT) Creativity • Loch Lomond Trossachs National Park: Community Grant Scheme

54 55 Project Theme 1 Think Community Projects Action Plan

For further detail on funding, please refer to p.116-118 For further detail on funding, please refer to p.116-118

Project Project Name Project Description Recommended Timescale Next Steps Project Project Name Project Description Recommended Timescale Next Steps Number Key Partners Number Key Partners

1.B3 Community The Gateway Project could Lead Agency Short/ Initiate discussions 1.B4 Community • Scope to promote space Lead Agency Short/ • Initiate discussions Ownership & ‘rent’ space as an interim Medium to establish principles Ownership & for use as Co-Worker Base Medium to establish principles Management: Key while they develop their • Alliance for Management: Key Space while waiting for ferry/ • Alliance for Sites/Buildings & building part as a ‘hub’ for Action Sites/Buildings & between meetings etc Action • Test and make the Facilities: activity. Facilities: strategic business The Gateway Other Co-Worker Base Other & funding case, Project Stakeholders and Stakeholders and coordinate and deliver temporary space Delivery Partners Delivery Partners investment in new & improved services & • Argyll & Bute • Argyll & Bute facilities Council Council

• Gateway Project • Highlands & Islands Enterprise Potential Funders • Business • BLF Awards for Gateway All/Investing In Ideas • Argyll & Bute Library & Leisure • BLF Investing in Charitable Trust Communities

Potential Funders

• Activating Ideas

• Regeneration Capital Grant Fund

• Town Centre Communities Capital Grant Fund

• Coastal Communities Fund

56 57 Project Theme 1 Think Community Projects Action Plan

For further detail on funding, please refer to p.116-118 For further detail on funding, please refer to p.116-118

Project Project Name Project Description Recommended Timescale Next Steps Project Project Name Project Description Recommended Timescale Next Steps Number Key Partners Number Key Partners

1.B5 Community Programming use of outside Lead Agency Short/ • Initiate discussions 1.C1 Coordination/ Use capacity building Lead Agency Short 1-3 Agree principles Ownership & gathering/social spaces Medium to establish principles information to maintain community years Management: Key proposed in the Masterplan: • Alliance for Exchange: networking & further • Argyll & Bute Make business case Sites/Buildings & co-ordination of outdoor Action • Test and make the strengthen collaboration Third Sector for funding Facilities: events/activities/theatre / strategic business Community between existing groups, Interface Programming music... would make sure they Other & funding case Networking using existing community Identify specific use of outside are best used (along with the Stakeholders and networks and social capital Other opportunities gathering/social spaces that Delivery Partners in Dunoon & surrounding Stakeholders and spaces already exist). area. The opportunities to Delivery Partners • Argyll & Bute deliver specific projects Council should be explored including: • Alliance for Action • Burgh Hall Trust - Regular biannual information exchange & • Community • Argyll & Bute networking events using the Organisations Library & Leisure Pecha Kucha format Charitable Trust • Just Enterprise

Potential Funders • Voluntary sector

• ‘BLF Awards for • Highlands & All/Investing In Islands Enterprise Ideas Potential Funders • BLF Investing in Communities • BLF Awards for All/Investing In • Scottish Ideas Government Strengthening • BLF Investing in Communities Communities Programme • Scottish • Argyll and the Government Isles Culture, Strengthening Heritage and Arts Communities Assembly Programme

• Creative Place Project

• CashBack For Creativity

58 59 Project Theme 1 Think Community Projects Action Plan

For further detail on funding, please refer to p.116-118 For further detail on funding, please refer to p.116-118

Project Project Name Project Description Recommended Timescale Next Steps Project Project Name Project Description Recommended Timescale Next Steps Number Key Partners Number Key Partners

1.C2 Coordination/ Use capacity building Refer to 1.C1 Refer to Refer to 1.C1 1.C4 Coordination/ Use capacity building Refer to 1.C1 Refer to Refer to 1.C1 information to maintain community 1.C1 information to maintain community 1.C1 Exchange: networking & further Exchange: networking & further strengthen collaboration strengthen collaboration Support between existing groups, Social between existing groups, Volunteers using existing community Entrepreneurship using existing community networks and social capital networks and social capital in Dunoon & surrounding in Dunoon & surrounding area. area.

• Support volunteers: sustaining community • Look to increase the level activity, identify & nurture of social entrepreneurship new leaders & champions in Dunoon and support individuals to adopt an • Promote more volunteering enterprising approach to in Dunoon to include an social opportunities. initial audit/database of (e.g. Queens Hall: as a town existing skills in the local centre community hub) community. Also see Project 1.2.

1.C3 Coordination/ Use capacity building Refer to 1.C1 Refer to Refer to 1.C1 information to maintain community 1.C1 Exchange: networking & further strengthen collaboration Third Sector between existing groups, Organisations using existing community networks and social capital in Dunoon & surrounding area.

• Focus on improving the capability & sustainability of third sector organisations in Dunoon & widening membership among young people.

60 61 2.0 Project Theme 2 Think Local Economy

You Said “Need to remind local people of the strength of the independent business in Argyll Street” “Last business directory was published in 1999” “Tendency to do Dunoon down” “Local businesses need to responded to opportunities & local need: why no bike hire” “Need to promote locally sourced food/drink & improve quality” “Need more family friendly pubs/restaurants with a good feel & improved evening economy “ “6/7 business interviewed intend to grow” “ have just won ‘Apps for Good’ Award” “Have to attract/retain young working age residents”

Strengths Enterprise (HIE), Vital Spark & Business Gateway. also need to work together to ensure local businesses, Dunoon Conservation Area was first designated in Dunoon Town Centre includes around 75 mostly Dunoon Presents (website highlighting events and including new start-ups, have access to the wealth of 1973 in recognition of its special architectural and independent businesses with a very distinctive offer tourism information ran by the Dunoon BID - Business expertise and financial support available. In this context historical character and, following a recent review, the including Bookpoint/book shop, Timothy J Sharp Improvement District) have been very successful at projects that diversify uses in Dunoon town centre and conservation area boundary has been extended to specialising in design, manufacture and retail of quality organising sporting, music/culture and community promote enterprise, business /start-up/incubation/ include Argyll Street. An application for funding under contemporary jewellery and Juno Gallery. The town events that have helped ‘put Dunoon on the map’. The acceleration, creativity, culture, arts/music and appeal to the CARS to support the enhancement and regeneration centre also has relatively low vacancies (See Appendix 2017 programmes includes more than fourteen events. young people will be crucial. of the important historic and architectural character of E: Property Analysis) and the vacant units tend to have Argyll Street has been successful. At this early stage, the been occupied by ‘national chains’ in particular banks Dunoon Presents are now starting to plan for a re-ballot Argyll and the Isles Culture, Heritage and Arts Assembly priorities are: and building societies. later in the year and the six-week period to consult on (CHArts) is just starting to deliver a Place Partnership • 2-4 Ferry Brae fresh business plan that will help decide on a second Project Plan (PPP) agreed with Creative Scotland. The • 65-67 Argyll Street Challenges term of five years. Ensuring another five-year term project’s aim is to create a sustainable and growing • 81-87 Argyll Street Dunoon town centre however needs to evolve as a is essential. As part of the new business plan it will culture and heritage sector and unlock the tremendous • 165-171 Argyll Street more distinctive and compelling destination where an be crucial to be clear on how future destination potential in this sector which has never been fully • Upskilling local craftspeople appreciation of the heritage, enterprise, commercial, management/promotion activities can continue to be realised. This will be achieved through effective • Promoting education and greater awareness of the retail, public, arts/cultural and social functions overlap funded and their impact increased as well as ensuring collaborative working with a wide range of stakeholders historic and architectural character of the area. with a diverse range of uses. This is fundamental to that town centre business work together even more in the cultural sector in Argyll and the Isles and partners appeal to local and new residents, young people, closely to benefit. Discussion at the ThinkDunoon at a national and local level, linking the valuable work professionals, families and visitors. The town centre events and the Business Interviews (See Appendix X) they carry out with the current public sector strategies also needs to evolve to meet the broader needs of highlighted some concerns from businesses in the town for the sector. There is a significant opportunity for existing and new residents that it will serve for the next centre about the economic impact of events. Dunoon to play a transformational role and this will 50 years and visitors, with something for everybody: require full engagement with relevant stakeholders to THINK LOCAL ECONOMY young, families, older people. The focus should be on PROJECT LIST Dunoon town centre should also develop more as a town articulate the sector’s ambitions for creativity in Dunoon. people and how they interact with and use places in centre for Cowal and a compelling visitor destination The PPP can grow the economic contribution the arts, Dunoon. This could include the introduction of a wider 2.1 Shop Local (See Project Theme 3 | Think Tourism). This would heritage, culture and creative industries make in Dunoon range of uses, as well as a greater number of small 2.2 Shop Doctor be achieved through a series of agreed additional and the wider Cowal area including the potential increase service business and improved community and visitor 2.3 Makers Space business development, marketing and environmental, in cultural tourism. The Vital Spark initiative coordinator 2.4 Digital Skills facilities. In this way town centres of the future need improvement activities, initiatives and services. The BID (See Project Theme 1 | Think Community) is also very 2.5 Family Housing to move beyond retail and be proactive centres for the can provide a sustainable financial model for the next interested in identifying social enterprise solutions in the 2.6 Promote Local Culinary Culture civic economy, enterprise, living, culture, entertainment, five years to deliver this kind of agreed Action Plan of creative industries. leisure, shopping, business and civic activity. programmes and medium/long term priority projects The following pages provide a detailed Action Plan for each project. that will benefit Dunoon town centre businesses. This will all result in a much more active Town Centre Aims and an essential component in strengthening resilience The projects highlighted in this theme aim to: In addition, an even stronger entrepreneurial business and sustaining economic growth. Growth oriented • Support existing business base in Dunoon is required and this means promoting businesses are not confined to particular sectors, but • Invest in business infrastructure new uses including providing ‘makers space’ and live- they need the right business accommodation in the • Promote enterprise & business start ups work space in/on vacant and underused buildings and right locations and high quality, up-to-date digital • Ensure access to skills training & support sites. The ThinkDunoon events identified the scope and physical infrastructure. Investment in economic • Promote Collaboration: e.g. Argyll College, Skills and interest in providing a ‘makers space’ targeted infrastructure including continued investment in high Development Scotland (SDS), Highlands and Islands particularly at the creative industries. All partners speed broadband will also be crucial for Dunoon. 62 63 Project Theme 2 Think Local Economy Projects Action Plan

For further detail on funding, please refer to p.116-118 For further detail on funding, please refer to p.116-118

Project Project Name Project Description Recommended Timescale Next Steps Project Project Name Project Description Recommended Timescale Next Steps Number Key Partners Number Key Partners

2.1 Town Centre Initiate a ‘shop local’ Lead Agency Short term Agree principles & 2.2 Town Centre Business Gateway/Dunoon Lead Agency Short term Confirmation of scope ‘Shop Local’ campaign with incentives to secure funding. Businesses: 1-1 Presents contractor to of scheme during 2017 Campaign & remind local people/visitors • Dunoon Advice: ‘Shop offer, as part of integrated • Dunoon Curated Online/ what Argyll Street/Dunoon Presents The principles of how Doctor’: Part of CARS related package, Presents Printed Directory town centre has to offer. often the directory CARS Package advice to retail and service Other revised & published business owners to cover Other Independent businesses & Stakeholders and would be agreed business planning, planning, Stakeholders and shops are the bedrock of Delivery Partners merchandising, window Delivery Partners Dunoon Town Centre and display, stock control, social when they thrive they create • Alliance for media marketing, etc... • Alliance for jobs, a cohesive town centre Action Also see Project 4.B3. Action and a strong local economy. The aim is to ensure that • Argyll & Bute This could take the form of • Argyll & Bute local people rediscover Council retail masterclass. Council the Town Centre and are reminded of the differences • Argyll and the Other issues to be covered • CARS between the online retailers, Isles Culture, in the masterclass could large chains and the Heritage and Arts include: • Shopfront independent shops and Assembly Regeneration businesses on their doorstep. • Raising awareness of Scheme Potential Funders the need for continuous Town centre businesses improvement and overcome • Town centre & would share their ideas, • CARS apathy and complacency other businesses support each other and work together. The more you put • Dunoon • Making the most of good Potential Funders in, the more you get out! Presents customer service • Dunoon A curated directory of local • Argyll and the • Using social media to Presents businesses & services would Isles Culture, market more effectively: be prepared and this would Heritage and Arts Promote Internet & • Business include: Assembly Facebook/Social Media Gateway Marketing • Web based version of • Creative Place • Argyll & Bute directory Project • Increasing customer spend Council

• Printed material displayed • Business • Maximising display space • Highlands and around town Gateway and layout Islands Enterprise

• Distribution/publicity to be • HIE • Promoting Dunoon as a agreed. destination, using events & coordinating opening hours • Possible WiFi apps: digital brand

64 65 Project Theme 2 Think Local Economy Projects Action Plan

For further detail on funding, please refer to p.116-118 For further detail on funding, please refer to p.116-118

Project Project Name Project Description Recommended Timescale Next Steps Project Project Name Project Description Recommended Timescale Next Steps Number Key Partners Number Key Partners

2.3 Makers Space: Provide makers workspace Lead Agency Medium Agree principles with 2.4 Digital Skills: Promote digital skills to Lead Agency Medium Establish principles Supporting Start targeted at start-ups/ term key partners Internet Use increase turnover growth Ups & Growth growing business and creative • Alliance for Improve in the wider business • Alliance for Orientated industries to include low Action The project would Broadband community and joint Action Businesses In rentals, live-work space, be developed on Speed/Reliability marketing in the town centre collaboration with Dunoon broadband/WiFI, flexible Other and with other businesses to Other rental terms, supportive Dunoon Grammar School Stakeholders and take advantage of improved Stakeholders and shared services, rooms with and the Dunoon Men’s Also refer to Delivery Partners broadband/WiFi. Delivery Partners good natural light in existing Shed. Project 4.G3. vacant space in Dunoon, in Specific actions: • Argyll College particular: • Argyll & Bute • Explore providing town Council • Establish ‘makers space’ with • Argyll and the centre WiFi access to tools & skills sharing. Isles Culture, • Business Services do not have to be Heritage and Arts • Locally delivered Gateway provided in new premises Assembly awareness-raising, training or with new equipment but (on social media use, search • Private Sector rather look to coordinate • Business engine optimisation, online provision and maximise use of Gateway marketing, website design, • Scottish Towns existing spaces and equipment cloud computing...etc) Partnership before exploring the need for • Coastal new space and equipment. Communities • Seminars, ‘digital health Potential Funders Fund checks’ • Build on Vital Spark & • Scottish Towns Carnegie Trust Test Town • Dunoon • Research & develop Partnership experience Grammar School opportunities for increased • Promote town for creative digital based income • Business • Highlands and industries: sole traders & micro streams and digital sector Gateway businesses Islands Enterprise representation to include (HIE) apps development research: • Highlands and • Aiming to enthuse, motivate, support targeted on Islands Enterprise educate, support and above all • Private Sector individuals/specific groups (HIE) raise enterprise aspirations in of businesses. Dunoon • Scotland Developement • Provide the right working Skills (SDS) conditions, ‘maker space’, office accommodation and • Vital Spark infrastructure to support digital & creative enterprises Potential Funders

• Target ‘footloose’ digital • Scottish Gov. & creative enterprises, like Regeneration Asgard, and promote Dunoon Capital Grant as a micro creative industries Fund inward investment location

• Encourage innovation and • Argyll and the enterprise with the growth and Isles Culture, development of new start-up Heritage and Arts companies. Support business Assembly planning by new business entrants • Creative Place Project

66 67 Project Theme 2 Think Local Economy Projects Action Plan

For further detail on funding, please refer to p.116-118 For further detail on funding, please refer to p.116-118

Project Project Name Project Description Recommended Timescale Next Steps Project Project Name Project Description Recommended Timescale Next Steps Number Key Partners Number Key Partners

2.5 Self-Build/Self- Raising the awareness and Lead Agency Short/ Argyll & Bute Council 2.6 Promote Local Collaborate with Argyll Lead Agency Medium Agree principles with Design & promote self-build + custom- medium to assess the local Culinary Culture: Food Producers (www. Term key partners Build: Local build sector and live-work • Argyll & Bute Term interest by test Food/Drink In foodfromargyll.com) to • Dunoon Builders Micro as a means of delivering Council marketing. Shops/Cafes/ promote local sourcing. Presents Sites: Family an alternative approach to Restaurants Proposals include: Housing & Live- housing provision in Dunoon. Other Actively target Other Work Stakeholders and particular sites. • Establish connections & Stakeholders and Self-build projects are where Delivery Partners networking between supplier Delivery Partners someone directly organises & local businesses with a group of like-minded • Alliance for • Alliance for individuals the design and Action • Deliver events, seasonal Action construction of their new activities e.g. farmers market home. • Owners • Argyll Food • Possible micro-brewery Producers Custom build homes tend • Private Sector to be those where the • Promote evening economy • Argyll and the individual works with a • Fyne Group with Dunoon Presents: Isles Culture, specialist developer to summer identify two Heritage and Arts help deliver a specific type Potential Funders late nights per month: all Assembly and specification of home. business to support. Requires Opportunity for Passivhaus • Fyne Group coordination for success. Private Sector high energy performance standard development in • Rural Home Potential Funders Pilot Street to be tested Ownership Grants • Argyll Food Also refer to Project 4.G1. Producers

Aim is also to promote • Argyll and the small/micro sites to local Isles Culture, builders. Heritage and Arts Assembly

• Creative Place Project

• Private Sector

68 69 3.0 Project Theme 3 Think Tourism

You Said “Dunoon needs to up its tourism game” “Make Dunoon an national/international visitor hub with great job prospects” “Build on how bike friendly the area is” “Need a really good positive web site for Dunoon, make it easy to book ” “Dunoon is getting known as a place for outdoor & other events so it needs to offer a choice of accommodation”

Strengths Aims Tourism is Argyll’s largest private sector employer with The projects highlighted in this theme aim to actively enthusiasts and visitors. The initial outline of the some 25% of all private sector jobs. It is also growing promote the authentic visitor experience that Dunoon Dunoon Project fits well with the ThinkDunoon 2027 fast, with some 30% of new employment, and very can offer and to unlock opportunities that focus on: Vision and this Tourism Project Theme. substantial capital investment. Argyll and the Isles total visitor spend increased from £199m to £270m in the • Outdoor activities & natural environment Overall the aim in Dunoon and the wider Cowal area Activities Art/Culture & Creative period 2011-2014 – an increase of 36% compared with • Culture heritage arts would be to improve the visitor experience, increase Dunoon Industries 4% for Scotland. The tourism industry is also growing • Creative industries visitor numbers, length of stay, visitor spend and rapidly worldwide (6% p.a. visitor growth in Scotland). income generation and deliver economically sustainable 2027 In this context, the National Strategy: Tourism 2020 business & jobs. In Dunoon this will involve continued Dunoon and Cowal have clear comparative advantages (June 2012) and Argyll & The Isles Tourism Cooperative investment in infrastructure and facilities and to market including a potentially exceptional visitor offer that aim to develop the authentic memorable experiences Dunoon as a hub and spokes destination (see adjacent Events & festivals combines heritage and culture, food and drink, breath- that today’s visitors seek and to deliver them to the diagrams) with a clear ‘brand’ and one coordinated web taking scenery, wildlife, maritime, coastal and outdoor consistently high quality they expect. ‘Nature, Heritage portal within the Cowal Marketing Group/Argyll & Isles adventure experiences. & Activities’ and ‘Destination Towns and Cities’ are Tourism Coop. confirmed as two of four specific market opportunities. One of Dunoon’s major events is the Cowal Highland The National Strategy defines a destination as ‘where the If Dunoon is going to capitalise on its incredible natural Gathering happenning for 3 days in August every year visitor eats, sleeps, discovers and explores’. heritage to boost its visitor economy, it is essential that Activities MTB: The Badd Hill and attracting up to 23,000 visitors (2.5 x Dunoon’s a Landscape Strategy/Plan is established to ensure that the development of further outdoor visitor destinations Road cycling: A815/836 permanent population). Dunoon should be more of a destination with doesn’t compromise the quality and biodiversity of Walking: core paths investment in the appropriate infrastructure, quality Sea Kayaking: West Bay Dunoon’s natural assets (see Project 4.H4). ‘Dunoon Presents’ (Business Improvement District) has offer, facilities and programme of events. Local Sailing: East & West Bay Moorings also been very successful at organising sporting, music/ accommodation, food and drink, events, independent Arts/Culture & Creative Industries culture and community events that have helped ‘put retail and transport sectors need to work even more Burgh Hall Dunoon on the map’ and Cowal Marketing Group/Argyll closely together and to actively develop visitor Queens Hall & Isles Tourism Coop is well established. Tourism is a key packages and itineraries and promote Dunoon’s visitor Juno Gallery/TJ Sharp/Argyll Street THINK TOURISM Cowal Open Studios sector to develop sustainable employment in Dunoon. economy. PROJECT LIST Blairmore Gallery Asgard Sandbank BP Challenges Marine tourism is also a priority sector at both the 3.1 Unique Selling Proposition Dunoon needs to evolve as a more distinctive and Scottish and Argyll & Bute levels and one of Scottish 3.2 High Value Visitor Packages Events & Festivals Film compelling destination where outdoor activities, arts/ tourism’s sleeping giants. Sailing and boating already 3.3 Choice of Visitor Accommodation 3.4 Dunoon Cycling Town Revival Big Weekender cultural, enterprise, commercial, retail, public, and social generating over £101m of expenditure and directly Cowalfest/walking 3.5 The Dunoon Project functions overlap with a diverse range of uses. Dunoon support the employment of almost 2,730 jobs in Ultra Marathon can be promoted as a hub destination with a network Scotland. With coordination and effort at the Dunoon Scottish X Country MTB Scottish Endura MTB of local attractions (outdoor activities, natural heritage level there are significant opportunities (e.g. kayaking, The following pages provide a detailed Action Plan for Dunoon Triathlon and gateway to Loch Lomond & Trossachs National moorings) to further strengthen the sector. each project. Cowal Highland Gathering Park, independent artisan businesses, unique retail offer, Argyll/Scottish Rally Championship locally sourced food/drink) in a way that encourages During ThinkDunoon, an ambitious locally-led project visitors to stay longer and spend more. emerged called ‘The Dunoon Project’ (see Project 3.5) that could attract a very wide base of outdoor Dunoon 2027 as a Tourism Hub - Diagram 70 71 Project Theme 3 Think Tourism Projects Action Plan

For further detail on funding, please refer to p.116-118

Project Project Name Project Description Recommended Timescale Next Steps Number Key Partners

3.1 Dunoon Hub Improve the marketing and Lead Agency Short/ Agree the USP & Spokes: promotion of Dunoon by Medium principles. Unique Selling identifying and promoting • Argyll & Isles term Proposition an improved Unique Selling Tourism Co-op Draft brief & ITT Branding & Proposition/brand. The Unique Promotion Selling Proposition should • Cowal Marketing Appointed design Initiative include: Group agency to produce ‘brand manual’ for > Activities • Dunoon Dunoon MTB: The Badd Hill Presents Road cycling: A815/836 Walking: core paths Sea Kayaking: West Bay Other Sailing: East & West Bay Stakeholders and Moorings Delivery Partners

> Gateway/hub for Loch • Alliance for Lomond and The Trossachs Action National Park • Argyll & Arts/Culture & Creative Isles Culture, Industries Heritage and Arts Artisan, distinctive, memorable Assembly retail offer Burgh Hall • Dunoon Burgh Queens Hall Hall Trust Juno Gallery/TJ Sharp/Argyll Street • Loch Lomond Cowal Open Studios Blairmore Gallery Trossachs Asgard Sandbank BP National Park (LLTNP) Events & Festivals Film • Scottish Natural Revival Big Weekender Heritage (SNH) Cowalfest/walking Ultra Marathon • VisitScotland Scottish X Country MTB Scottish Endura MTB Potential Funders Dunoon Triathlon Cowal Highland Gathering • Great Place A Cowal Gathering “Fringe Scheme Festival” could run in parallel to the main Gathering events • Cowal Marketing Refer to Project 4.D6 for Group further details. Argyll/Scottish Rally Championship • Dunoon Presents > Other opportunities Business conferences at • Loch Lomond Queens Hall Trossachs Documentary & film National Park production visitors (LLTNP) US Navy – Holy Loch Back Story Also see Project 1.1.

Illustration of the unique range and variety of the Dunoon visitor offer 72 73 Project Theme 3 Think Tourism Projects Action Plan

For further detail on funding, please refer to p.116-118 For further detail on funding, please refer to p.116-118

Project Project Name Project Description Recommended Timescale Next Steps Project Project Name Project Description Recommended Timescale Next Steps Number Key Partners Number Key Partners

3.2 High Value Work with outdoor activities, Lead Agency Short/ Develop a business 3.3 Increase & There is an opportunity to Lead Agency Short/ Agree principles Visitor Packages: natural heritage, tourism Medium case and identify Improving review the existing provision Medium Itineraries & & cultural businesses/ • Argyll & Isles term priority demonstration Choice of Visitor of visitor accommodation in • Alliance for term Audit existing Packages organisations, local Tourism Co-op project. Accommodation Dunoon to ensure sufficient Action accommodation accommodation providers, choice of accommodation provision restaurants and key • Cowal Marketing Undertaking an Also refer to (e.g. self-catering, Airbnb Other local venues to develop Group audience development Project 4.F3. ‘bolt hole’, bunk house, Stakeholders and Research & publish coordinated, high value plan camping/glamping, budget/ Delivery Partners prospectus Other visitor itineraries and boutique hotel) of the right Stakeholders and packages and to increase quality appropriate for • Accommodation Develop a business Delivery Partners the value of tourism to the today’s markets. providers case and identify local Dunoon economy. • Accommodation priority demonstration e.g. targeting the growth providers, cafés/ Depending on the outcome • Argyll & Bute project markets identified in Tourism restaurants & key of the review and audit, Council Scotland 2020 namely local venues. actively promote specific ‘home turf/staycation, near opportunities in Dunoon. • Local Property neighbours, distant cousins • Argyll & Isles Owners & emerging markets’ to Culture, Heritage Prepare a prospectus take account of the sudden and Arts Assembly to outline the market • VisitScotland currency depreciation on opportunities based on account of the Brexit vote. • Dunoon Presents the ‘hub & spokes’ Unique Potential Funders Selling Proposition, Dunoon Higher value visitor • Great Place Presents events, Queens • Cowal Marketing packages, itineraries and Scheme Hall conference facilities Private sector tasters to include: & sites/buildings specific Group • Tourism opportunities for e.g: businesses • Tasters featuring kayaking, • Dunoon local guides, guided tours, • Wildlife/nature: • Budget Presents specialist tours linked wild networking group life photography • Boutique • Loch Lomond Potential Funders Trossachs • Cycle tourism: cycle hire & • Quality Airbnb National Park routes suitable for beginners, • Argyll & Isles (LLTNP) families & specialists. Also Tourism Co-op • Bunkhouse refer to Projects 3.4 & 4.H2. • Cowal Marketing • Glamping... etc • Accommodation, arts Group tasters, restaurants, local venues • Dunoon Presents • Target bus tours & explore Scot Rail/ & • Loch Lomond Trossachs attractions joint ticketing National Park initiative & offers (LLTNP)

• Explore voluntary & • Private sector third sector business opportunities

74 75 Project Theme 3 Think Tourism Projects Action Plan

For further detail on funding, please refer to p.116-118 For further detail on funding, please refer to p.116-118

Project Project Name Project Description Recommended Timescale Next Steps Project Project Name Project Description Recommended Timescale Next Steps Number Key Partners Number Key Partners

3.4 Dunoon Cycling Explore the possibilities Lead Agency Medium Agree principles: 3.5 The Dunoon During ThinkDunoon an Lead Agency Medium Formally agree Town/Cycle Hub of promoting Dunoon term Project ambitious locally led project term principles as a cycling town and • Alliance for Physical/ virtual or emerged called “The Dunoon • Dunoon Project Also refer to establishing a cycling hub Action both Project”. The community Undertake feasibility Project 1.A6 & possibly located in an Establish private would buy and study 4.H2. existing building. The hub Other sector interest. The intention is to create own the land could include: Stakeholders and a world class visitor and operate with Develop business case Delivery Partners Feasibilty study & experience that appeals to a specialist partners • Café & cycle shop formal agreement wide market of thrill seekers, who would invest Also refer to Project 4.G3. • Local with LLTNP/ outdoor enthusiasts, families and undertake the Businesses Sustrans as well as the less abled. The various aspects of • Range of road/MTB graded Confirmation of initial outline of the project the project. & family friendly routes: • Loch Lomond preferred site/building includes: including multi use trail Trossachs Other National Park • A gondala chairlift from a Stakeholders and • Focus for maintaining a (LLTNP) base station in the town at Delivery Partners choice of cycle routes and West Bay running to the top facilities • Private or Third of Kilbride Hill • Argyll Forum Sector • Establishing improved • Café/bar/restaurant • Community links into the wider LLTNP • Sustrans reception that takes Woodlands & Sustrans’ National Cycle advantage of the fine views Association Network with a Sustrans & Potential Funders locals volunteer base • A number of zip wire • Highland & • Argyll & descents Islands Enterprise • Refurbishing bikes project islands LEADER and regular mass cycling (Links Between • Alpine coaster • Scottish participation events Activities Communities Developing the • Biking centre Forestry • Generating regular income Rural Economy) Partnership for the local economy programme • Cluster of carbon neutral friendly visitor Potential Funders • Active travel & promoting • BLF Awards for accommodation modal shift: local people, as All/Investing In • Dunoon Project well as visitors, to cycle more Ideas • Community • Contribute to local tourism • BLF Investing in Woodlands plans and regeneration Communities Association strategies. • Highland & Islands Enterprise

• Scottish Forestry Partnership

76 77 Project Theme 4 Think Place

Assets Challenges Aims As mentioned in previous chapters, Dunoon has many In spite of their incredible potential, Dunoon open spaces This chapter outlines Dunoon 2027 Masterplan which aims landscape and townscape assets, from its beautiful are underused and not suited to the Town’s need for to reconnect the town’s open spaces, redevelop Dunoon’s scenery and high quality built heritage to its cultural quality and flexible public realm. Dunoon has pockets of significant landmarks, strengthen the connection between anchors (Queen’s Hall and Burgh Hall). distinctive open spaces and remarkable landmarks but Dunoon and its wider landscape, improve accessibility they are generally disjointed, which contributes to people’s and connections and support the town’s local and visitor What makes Dunoon open spaces unique is the fact that negative perception of the Town. economy. each of them addresses an element of Dunoon’s wider context (hills and seascape). The pedestrian and cycle circulation is discontinuous, especially between the pedestrian ferry terminal and Argyll Street, creating an unwelcoming first impression for visitors.

Open spaces addressing the Wooded Hills

Open spaces addressing the Inner Firth of Clyde Seascape

Sketch showing Dunoon’s main landscape components Sketch showing Dunoon’s main open spaces and their relationship Sketch showing Dunoon’s main existing cultural anchors Diagram showing the 6 Dunoon 2026 Masterplan Areas to the wider landscape

Dunoon’s landscape is formed by: Dunoon’s main open spaces address the wooded hills and Dunoon has two main cultural and community anchors: - Wooded hills the Firth by offering incredible vistas and connecting the - Queen’s Hall - The Firth of Clyde Seascape town back to its wider landscape. - Burgh Hall - A rocky outcrop around which the town has developed - Two burns (Milton & Blagaish)

78 79 Project Theme 4 Think Place - Masterplan Dunoon 2027 Masterplan is divided in 6 areas:

- Welcoming Headland - Attractive Argyll Street - Connected Hinge - Revealed Milton Burn - Accessible East bay - Reactivated West Bay

Each area contains a series of site specific physical projects responding to their respective 2027 vision. “Revealed Milton Burn” vision “Welcoming Headland” vision Further down Argyll Street, past John Street, the In 2027, the Headland, which stretches from the Ferry townscape fabric loosens and marks the beginning of the Terminal to the bottom of Argyll Street, is a welcoming Milton Burn’s Valley. The Milton Burn currently forms a gateway into Dunoon’s Town Centre. It is also the natural link flowing through a series of open spaces but is promontory to an incredible collection of reactivated not easily accessible nor visible. landmarks: the Castle House, the Queen’s Hall and the Pier. In 2027, the burn should be revealed and its surrounding An amphitheatre has been built into Castlehill Park’s spaces should be read as one continuous undulating slopes to accommodate large outdoor shows and create promenade with various lively cafes and pavilions as well a space to sit and enjoy the drama of the Firth of Clyde as plenty of play opportunities. landscape. “Accessible East Bay” & “Reactivated West Bay” vision The Headland’s public realm has been redesigned to Dunoon’s East and West Bays are the town’s largest public provide a legible and accessible approach from the ferry spaces and one of its most formidable assets. terminal to the Town Centre. Argyll Gardens and the old Jetty have become generous civic spaces connecting The East Bay’s access steps are currently in poor condition Dunoon’s waterfront to the bustling Argyll Street. At night, which makes the beach very difficult to get to from the main landmarks are illuminated, creating a spectacular Alexandra Parade’s Promenade. arrival experience into Dunoon. In 2027, new access steps and ramps have been installed “Attractive Argyll Street” vision along with cafe pavilions and art interventions. The In 2017, Argyll Street already has an incredible array of old steps have been retained as sculptural features independent shops and is flanked by two major cultural illuminated at night. Alexandra Parade’s Promenade has anchors: the Queen’s Hall and Burgh Hall. The street been improved with more seating and planting to screen it is formed by a dense and almost continuous series of from the busy road. It has become a prime spot for roller victorian townhouses seldomly interrupted by narrow skating, cycling and walking along the beach. lanes and streets, some of them providing views onto the waterfront on one side and onto the hills on the other. Unlike the East Bay, the West Bay is currently easily The quality of the public realm should do justice to these accessible. However, the Dunoon’s community feels like existing assets and help support Dunoon’s local shops. this space is largely under-used.

In 2027, following the CARS works, shop front regeneration In 2027, capitalising on its location along the “Argyll Sea sheme and public realm improvements, Argyll street has Kayak Trail”, the West Bay has become a Marine Sports become distinctive, pleasant and welcoming. Markets and Hub. Its public realm has been redesigned with more fairs are frequently organised and the Queen’s Hall and seating and beach pavilions enabling the community to Burgh Hall help coordinating events inviting locals and organise events. Playful elements, including natural play, visitors to dwell along Argyll Street and spend time in the have also been introduced along Victoria Parade. Town Centre. Addictional projects and town-wide strategies “Connected Hinge” vision Beyond the 6 masterplan areas, this chapter also includes In 2027, St Johns Church Grounds, Hanover Street Gardens additional physical projects and 5 town-wide strategies: and the Burgh Hall Gardens have been transformed into a three-fold “hinge” park, linking Dunoon’s low and high - Signage Strategy levels and becoming a prime viewing platform to embrace - Transport Strategy the whole of Dunoon’s incredible townscape and wider - Art Strategy landscape setting. The category A listed St Johns Church - Landscape Strategy is enhanced by feature lighting and the Burgh Hall curates - Public Toilets Strategy exhibitions and performances in their festive art garden.

80 81 Project Theme 4 Think Place - Project List

THINK PLACE PROJECT LIST

4A - Welcoming Headland 4.A1 Welcoming Headland Masterplan 4.A2 Public Transport Interchange 4.A3 Gate House 4.A4 Castlehill Park 4.A5 The Pier 4.A6 Argyll Gardens 4.A7 Old Jetty 4.A8 Headland Lighting Scheme

4B - Attractive Argyll Street 4.B1 Argyll Street Public Realm 4.B2 Old La Scala Cinema 4.B3 Shop Front Improvement

4C - Connected Hinge 4.C1 Burgh Hall’s Gardens 4.C2 St Johns Church Ground 4.C3 Hanover Street Gardens

4D - Revealed Milton Burn 4.D1 Milton Burn Landscape Strategy 4.D2 Old Rose Garden 4.D3 Jane Villa Car Park 4.D4 St Muns Primary 4.D5 Dolphin Hall Public Realm 4.D6 Old Gas Works

4E - Accessible East Bay 4.E1 Beach Access 4.E2 Alexandra Parade Promenade

4F - Reactivated West Bay 4.F1 Victoria Parade Promenade 4.F2 Play Park 4.F3 Old McColl’s Hotel Vacant Plot

4G - Additional Projects 4.G1 Pilot Street Vacant Plot 4.G2 High Kirk Public Realm 4.G3 Adaptive Reuse of Vacant Buildings

4H - Town Wide Strategies 4.H1 Signage Strategy 4.H2 Transport Strategy 4.H3 Art Strategy 4.H4 Landscape Strategy 4.H5 Public Toilet Strategy

The following pages provide a detailed Action Plan for each project.

Dunoon 2027 Masterplan 83 Project Theme 4 Think Place Projects Action Plan

For further detail on funding, please refer to p.116-118 For further detail on funding, please refer to p.116-118

Project Project Name Project Description Recommended Timescale Next Steps Project Project Name Project Description Recommended Timescale Next Steps Number Key Partners Number Key Partners

4.A1 Headland Creating a coherent Lead Agencies Medium/ • Define the brief, 4.A2 Public Transport Designing a combined ferry Lead Agency Medium • Define the brief: Masterplan “Headland” masterplan Long Term scope of works and Interchange and bus terminal facility Term carry out a feasibility bringing together the Public • Alliance for outline cost plan with sheltered spaces, • Alliance for study to define scope Transport Interchange (project Action (Bus + Ferry) bathroom facilities, a seating Action of works/outline cost 4.A2), the Castle House • Appoint design team area, a tourism information plan Museum, Queen’s Hall, the Pier Other office, room for advertising • Argyll & Bute and the general Headland’s Stakeholders and • Get confirmation Dunoon’s main attractions, Council • Appoint design team public realm. Opportunities Delivery Partners of land ownership & customer information, accordingly include (non-exhaustive list): Other undertake required ticketing, wayfinding… etc • Argyll & Bute Stakeholders and surveys + additional • Get confirmation • Reactivating existing Council Delivery Partners stakeholder/ Restructuring and “greening” of land ownership & landmarks (Castle House Museum, the Pier...) Potential Funders community the car park to enhance the • Sustrans undertake required engagement quality of this key arrival surveys • Reactivating the Gate House • Argyll & Isles space into Dunoon. • SPT (see project 4.A3) LEADER (Links • Put together a • Carry out additional Between Activities masterplan document • Transport community + • A better pedestrian Developing the for the buildings Scotland stakeholders connection from Dunoon’s Rural Economy) and public realm engagement (bus pedestrian ferry terminal to programme comprised within the • VisitScotland and ferry operators, the bottom of Argyll Street “Headland” area VisitScotland, with potential widening of • Argyll & The Potential Funders Transport Scotland, footpaths where possible Isles Coast & • Apply for funding Sustrans, SPT) Countryside Trust • Argyll & • Introduction of quality and Isles LEADER • Apply for funding distinctive street furniture in a • SNH Green programme tidy manner to de-clutter the Infrastructure Fund “Headland’s” public realm. • Scottish • SNH Scottish Government Rural Development Programme 4.A3 Gate House Creating a contemporary Lead Agency Short Term • Define the brief: intervention (potentially a carry out a feasibility small information point or • Alliance for study to define scope gallery), which respects Action of works/outline cost the heritage whilst creating plan a more appropriate first Other impression for Dunoon. Stakeholders and • Appoint design team Delivery Partners accordingly • Argyll & Bute • Get confirmation Council (owner) of land ownership & • Argyll & Isles undertake required Culture, Heritage surveys + additional and Arts Assembly engagement - especially with • Dunoon Burgh Dunoon/Cowal Arts + Hall Trust Craft community

Potential Funders • Apply for funding

• Big Lottery Fund

• Historic Environment Scotland’

84 85 Project Theme 4 Think Place Projects Action Plan

For further detail on funding, please refer to p.116-118 For further detail on funding, please refer to p.116-118

Project Project Name Project Description Recommended Timescale Next Steps Project Project Name Project Description Recommended Timescale Next Steps Number Key Partners Number Key Partners

4.A4 Castlehill Park Shaping a coherent spatial Lead Agency Medium/ • Define the brief: 4.A5 The Pier Short Term Lead Agencies Short and Short Term plan for the redevelopment Long Term carry out a feasibility Part of the Pier’s buildings Medium • Urgent action: of Castlehill Park aiming to • Alliance for study to define scope and infrastructure has already • Alliance for Term A&BC, with SEPA, regenerate this key open Action of works/outline cost beneficiated from a first Action to explore scope to phase of refurbishment. space whilst respecting plan redefine conditions of its heritage. Opportunities Other Unfortunately, planning • Argyll & Bute conditions prevent the consented uses include (non-exhaustive list): Stakeholders and • Appoint design team Council community from accessing it Delivery Partners accordingly for events, festivals, fairs... etc Medium/long Term • Creating a large Other • Define the brief for amphitheatre integrated • Argyll & Bute • Get confirmation A quick win would be to make Stakeholders and the next phase of the within the existing slope Council of land ownership & the refurbished builing more Delivery Partners Pier refurbishment: with associated performance undertake required accessible to the community carry out a feasibility • Historic space for outdoors shows, • Castle House surveys + additional and to further consult with study to define scope Environment festivals, fireworks, or just to Museum Trust stakeholder/ SEPA to understand the of works/outline cost Scotland embrace the spectacle of the community requirements to enable a plan Firth of Clyde’s landscape engagement change of use. • SEPA Potential Funders • Undertake required Medium/long Term • Refurbishing the Castle • Apply for funding surveys House Museum and creating • Argyll & The In the medium term, the Potential Funders Scottish Government will a more welcoming and Isles Coast & • Apply for funding accessible entrance Countryside Trust make their decision on the • Scottish ferry operator which will have Government Branching Out • Appoint design team a bearing on how the pier is Regeneration used in the future. accordingly • SNH Green Capital Grant Infrastructure Fund Beyond the ferry, a long-term Fund vision for a sustainable use of • Coastal the Pier is needed. • SNH Communities Scottish Rural It is also critical to secure a Fund Development funding package to stabilise Programme the pier structure and bring the other building back to life. • Forestry Commission 4.A6 Argyll Gardens Transforming Argyll Gardens Lead Agency Medium • Define the brief: Scotland – Woods into one of Dunoon’s main Term carry out a feasibility in and around outdoors civic spaces: • Alliance for study to define scope Towns (WIAT) an open, pleasant and Action of works/outline cost flexible plaza which can plan • Loch Lomond accommodate large • Argyll & Bute Trossachs marching bands, events, Council • Appoint design team National Park: farmers markets, craft accordingly Community Other markets… Grant Scheme Stakeholders and • Get confirmation Delivery Partners Argyll Gardens should of land ownership & connect Dunoon’s Waterfont • Town Centre undertake required to its retail core: Argyll Businesses surveys + additionnal Street. stakeholder/ Potential Funders community engagement • Argyll & Isles LEADER • Apply for funding programme

86 87 Project Theme 4 Think Place Projects Action Plan

For further detail on funding, please refer to p.116-118 For further detail on funding, please refer to p.116-118

Project Project Name Project Description Recommended Timescale Next Steps Project Project Name Project Description Recommended Timescale Next Steps Number Key Partners Number Key Partners

4.A7 Dunoon’s Transforming the current car Lead Agency Medium • Define the brief: 4.B1 Argyll Street Short Term Lead Agencies Short and Short Term Waterfront Park parking area into Dunoon’s Term carry out a feasibility Public Realm Testing various types of Long Term • Identifying main waterfront public • Alliance for study to define scope events, uses and street • Alliance for Community/Business space. Action of works/outline cost furniture elements with Action Groups with an plan minor adjustments to interest in organising Introducing seating spaces • Argyll & Bute improve barrier free • Argyll & Bute temporary events on with associated planting Council • Appoint design team accessibility (e.g. street Council Argyll Street beds to create a buffer accordingly crossing points) and between Alexandra parade Potential Funders wayfinding. Other • Appoint design/ and this new amenity space. • Get confirmation Stakeholders and project management • Argyll & of land ownership & Long Term Delivery Partners team accordingly Redesigning the old Jetty Isles LEADER undertake required Following up from short as an open promontory for programme surveys + additionnal term interventions, • Dunoon Burgh • Establishing a visitors and locals to enjoy stakeholder/ transforming Argyll Street Hall Trust programme of events the Firth’s scenery. • Coastal community into a welcoming, attractive Communities engagement street with a distinctive and • Town Centre • Apply for funding Fund flexible streetscape which Businesses • Apply for funding can accommodate events, Long Term market stalls… Potential Funders • Define the brief: carry out a feasibility Redefining the car parking • Argyll & study to define scope strategy (also see project Isles LEADER of works/outline cost 4.H2) to prioritise pedestrian programme plan - project to be circulation. coordinated with • Scottish CARS projects. Government Strengthening • Appoint design team Communities accordingly 4.A8 Headland Highlighting the Headland’s Lead Agency Short/ • Define the brief: Programme Lighting Scheme main existing features (a.i. Medium carry out a feasibility • Get confirmation Argyll Hotel, Castle House, • Alliance for Term study to define scope of land ownership & Highland Mary…) to create Action of works/outline cost undertake required an attractive night-time plan surveys + additionnal landscape. • Argyll & stakeholder/ Isles Culture, • Appoint design/art community Commissioning additional Heritage and Arts team accordingly for engagement sculptural lighting features Assembly both the illumination to add more texture and of existing landmarks • Apply for funding interest to the public realm Other and the design of new at night. Stakeholders and sculptural lighting Delivery Partners features

• Argyll & Bute • Undertake required Council surveys + additionnal stakeholder/ Potential Funders community engagement • Creative Scotland • Apply for funding

88 89 Project Theme 4 Think Place Projects Action Plan For further detail on funding, please refer to p.116-118 For further detail on funding, please refer to p.116-118

Project Project Name Project Description Recommended Timescale Next Steps Project Project Name Project Description Recommended Timescale Next Steps Number Key Partners Number Key Partners

4.B2 Old La Scala Undertaking a study to Lead Agency Medium to • Consult with building 4.C1 Burgh Hall’s Creating an intimate wildlife Lead Agency Short Term • Define the brief with Cinema identify capacity to support Long Term owner to review the Gardens garden with a café extension, the Dunoon Burgh other functions in upper • Alliance for existing conditions of a play area and a visual • Dunoon Burgh Hall Trust. Carry out floors of current M&Co (old Action the building’s upper poetry and performance Hall Trust a feasibility study La Scala Cinema) floors and explore space developed together to define scope of • Argyll & Bute potential reopening of with the local creative Other works/outline cost Creatively upgrading of the Council the cinema community. Stakeholders and plan frontage, not a reinstatement Delivery Partners • CARS of the cinema façade but • Define the brief: carry • Appoint design team out a feasibility study • Alliance for perhaps a different take on accordingly • Building owner to define scope of Action something as impactful and works/outline cost plan more contemporary. Other • Argyll & Bute • Undertake required Stakeholders and • Appoint design team Council surveys + additionnal Delivery Partners accordingly stakeholder/ • Argyll & Isles community • Argyll & Isles • Undertake required Culture, Heritage engagement Culture, Heritage surveys + additionnal and Arts Assembly and Arts Assembly stakeholder/community • Apply for funding engagement Potential Funders Potential Funders • Apply for funding • Big Lottery Fund • CARS Awards for All/ Investing In Ideas • Building owner • Big Lottery 4.B3 Shop Front Creating a “Shop Front Lead Agencies Short Term • Undertake Fund Investing in Improvement Initiative” to define a consultation with local Communities coordinated strategy to • Alliance for business owners Action define temporary and • Creative Scotland permanent interventions to • Define the brief: improve shop fronts. • Dunoon Presents carry out a feasibility study to define scope Other of works/outline cost Stakeholders and plan Delivery Partners

• Argyll & Bute • Appoint design team Council accordingly

• CARS • Apply for funding

• Cowal Marketing Group

• Shopfront Regeneration Scheme

• Town Centre Businesses

Potential Funders

• Argyll & Isles LEADER programme

• CARS

• Shop owners 90 91 Project Theme 4 Think Place Projects Action Plan

For further detail on funding, please refer to p.116-118 For further detail on funding, please refer to p.116-118

Project Project Name Project Description Recommended Timescale Next Steps Project Project Name Project Description Recommended Timescale Next Steps Number Key Partners Number Key Partners

4.C2 St Johns Church Enhancing St John’s Church Lead Agency Medium - Define the brief with 4.C3 Hanover Street Restructuring the gardens Lead Agencies Medium - Define the brief: Grounds setting by restructuring Term land owner/caretaker: Gardens to provide generous Term carry out a feasibility its slopping grounds into • Alliance for carry out a feasibility seating to enjoy the views, • Alliance for study to define scope a beautifully lit feature Action study to define scope a better connection to St Action of works/outline cost stepped embankment with of works/outline cost Johns Church Grounds and plan seating and an accessible • Owner plan more colorful and textured • Argyll & Bute path leading up to Hanover planting whislt retaining Council - Appoint design team Street Gardens. Other - Appoint design team some of its Victorian accordingly Stakeholders and accordingly heritage features such as the Other Delivery Partners cast iron fountain. Stakeholders and - Get confirmation - Get confirmation Delivery Partners of land ownership & • Argyll & Bute of land ownership & undertake required Council undertake required • Dunoon surveys + additionnal surveys + additionnal Regeneration stakeholder/ Potential Funders stakeholder/ Party community community engagement • Argyll & The engagement Potential Funders Isles Coast & - Apply for funding Countryside Trust - Apply for funding • Argyll & The Branching Out Isles Coast & Countryside Trust • SNH Green Branching Out Infrastructure Fund • SNH Green Infrastructure • SNH Fund Scottish Rural Development • SNH Programme Scottish Rural Development • Loch Lomond Programme Trossachs National Park: • Loch Lomond Community Trossachs Grant Scheme National Park: Community Grant Scheme

92 93 Project Theme 4 Think Place Projects Action Plan

For further detail on funding, please refer to p.116-118 For further detail on funding, please refer to p.116-118

Project Project Name Project Description Recommended Timescale Next Steps Project Project Name Project Description Recommended Timescale Next Steps Number Key Partners Number Key Partners

4.D1 Milton Burn Creating a coherent Milton Lead Agency Medium • Define the brief: 4.D2 Old Rose Garden Creating a playful garden Lead Agency Medium • Consult with Clyde Promenade Burn Promenade masterplan. Term carry out a feasibility located within close reach Term Cottage Nursery Masterplan • Alliance for study to define scope of Argyll Street and making • Alliance for regarding their plans Opportunities include (non- Action of works/outline cost the most of the burn’s Action for a “Forest Play exhaustive list): plan undulating landscape. Area” • Argyll & Bute • Argyll & Bute - Creation of park pavilions Council • Appoint design team This playful space could Council • Define the brief: including new permanent accordingly be developped together carry out a feasibility • Dunoon Schools/ structures, temporary Other with Dunoon Schools and study to define scope Nurseries structures and refurbishment Stakeholders and • Get confirmation Nurseries, especially Clyde of works/outline cost of soon-to-be vacant library Delivery Partners of land ownership & Cottage Nursery who • Dunoon plan building undertake required already have plans to create regeneration party • Scottish Natural surveys + additionnal a Forest Play Area in the • Appoint design team - Installation of a board Heritage (SNH) stakeholder/ woodland area at the back Other accordingly walk along the Burn with community of the Doctors Surgery. Stakeholders and additional bridges and • Community engagement Delivery Partners • Get confirmation artworks Woodlands of land ownership & Association • Put together a • Wildlife/Nature undertake required - Design of playful elements masterplan for the Networking surveys + additionnal to be integrated along the • Dunoon promenade Groups stakeholder/ promenade Schools/Nurseries community • Apply for funding engagement - Introduction of seating Potential Funders Potential Funders spaces along the burn (built • Apply for funding into existing slopes) • Big Lottery • Big Lottery Fund Investing in Fund Communities - Renaturalisation of the burn’s edges with a more • Argyll & The 4.D3 Jane Villa Car “Greening” the edge of the Lead Agency Short Term • Define the brief: diverse planting palette. Isles Coast & Park car parking area to blend it carry out a feasibility Countryside Trust within the Milton Burn Park • Argyll & Bute study to define scope Branching Out context. Council of works/outline cost plan • SNH Green Reinstating a quality Other Stakeholders and Infrastructure boundary stone wall with • Appoint design team Delivery Partners Fund potential artwork to create accordingly a stronger visual continuity • Alliance for with the rest of the existing • Get confirmation • SNH Action Scottish Rural streetscape. of land ownership & Development Potential Funders undertake required Programme surveys • Argyll & The • Loch Lomond Isles Coast & • Apply for funding Trossachs Countryside Trust National Park: Branching Out Community Grant Scheme • SNH Green Infrastructure Fund

• SNH Scottish Rural Development Programme

94 95 Project Theme 4 Think Place Projects Action Plan

For further detail on funding, please refer to p.116-118 For further detail on funding, please refer to p.116-118

Project Project Name Project Description Recommended Timescale Next Steps Project Project Name Project Description Recommended Timescale Next Steps Number Key Partners Number Key Partners

4.D4 St Mun’s Primary/ Reconfiguring the school/ Lead Agencies Long Term • Consult with St Nuns 4.D6 Old Gas Works Before any major Lead Agency Short and • Consult with the Clyde Cottage nursery building to increase Primary and Clyde developments are Medium landowners to Nursery Building its relationship to the Milton • Alliance for Cottage staff and undertaken onsite, the Old • Alliance for Term understand their Burn and its surrounding Action parents to understand Gas Works could benefit Action plans/ambitions for landscape. their ambition for from a series of short-term this site • Argyll & Bute the school/nursery interventions including (non- • Argyll & Bute This facility has the potential Council building. exhaustive list): Council • Define the brief: to become an excellent carry out a feasibility Other “nature” school with a high • Dunoon • Define the brief: • Depolluting the site by study to define scope Stakeholders and emphasis on outdoors cross- Schools/Nurseries carry out a feasibility planting hyper-accumulating of works/outline cost Delivery Partners curriculum activities, adding study to define scope vegetation (birch, hazel, plan another valuable asset to of works/outline cost Potential Funders willow...) which would, over • Argyll Food Dunoon School Estate. plan time, extract the pollution Producers • Appoint design • Big Lottery out of the soil. team/project Fund Awards for • Appoint design team • Argyll & Isles management All/Investing In accordingly • Installing a board walk Culture, Heritage team and event Ideas besides the Milton Burn and Arts Assembly coordination team • Undertake required which runs along the eastern accordingly • Big Lottery surveys + additionnal edge of the site. • Argyll & Isles Fund Investing in stakeholder/ Tourism Co-op • Undertake required Communities community • Creating an allotment surveys + additionnal engagement area with raised planters, • Community stakeholder/ gathering spaces and Organisations community • Apply for funding informal play areas. engagement • Community Woodlands • The site could be used as • Apply for funding 4.D5 Dolphin Hall Creating a better setting Lead Agency Medium • Define the brief: Association Public Realm for the Dolphin Hall using Term carry out a feasibility a testing ground for cultural quality material and • Argyll & Bute study to define scope and community events. • Cowal Marketing introducing trees and Council of works/outline cost Capitalising on the existing Group planting beds. plan “Cowal Highland Gathering”, Other an event happening every • Land owner Stakeholders and • Appoint design team Summer at Dunoon’s Delivery Partners accordingly Stadium, (5 minute walk • Dunoon Presents from the Old Gas Works), the • Alliance for • Get confirmation site could also accommodate • Local Businesses Action of land ownership & a “Cowal • Scottish Natural undertake required Fringe Festival” Heritage (SNH) Potential Funders surveys + additionnal Also refer to project 3.1. stakeholder/ • VisitScotland • Argyll & The community Isles Coast & engagement Potential Funders Countryside Trust Branching Out • Apply for funding • A+DS ‘Stalled Spaces’ • Loch Lomond Trossachs • Big Lottery Fund National Park: Awards for All/ Community Grant Investing In Ideas Scheme • Big Lottery Fund Investing in Communities

• Creative Scotland

96 97 Project Theme 4 Think Place Projects Action Plan

For further detail on funding, please refer to p.116-118 For further detail on funding, please refer to p.116-118

Project Project Name Project Description Recommended Timescale Next Steps Project Project Name Project Description Recommended Timescale Next Steps Number Key Partners Number Key Partners

4.E1 Beach Access Short Term Lead Agency Short and Short Term 4.F1 Victoria Parade Designing a new public Lead Agency Medium to • Define the brief: Creating temporary steps Long Term • Potential to organise Promenade realm and facilities which Long Term carry out a feasibility to allow easier access to the • Alliance for a small design would support Dunoon’s • Alliance for study to define scope beach. Action competition to design community’s ambition Action of works/outline cost temporary access for the West bay (more plan • Argyll & Bute Long Term • Argyll & Bute steps. Contractor to temporary events, festivals…) Council Creating a series of Council then be appointed • Appoint design team permanent features (ramps to built and install Introducing pavilions accordingly Other Other and steps with associated temporary beach along the bay (temporary/ Stakeholders and Stakeholders and beach pavilions…) to allow access. permanent, seasonal, • Get confirmation Delivery Partners Delivery Partners easier access to the beach destination, high quality, of land ownership & flexible lease/contract undertake required from Alexandra Parade. • Argyll & Isles Long Term • Dunoon agreement, potential surveys + additionnal Culture, Heritage • Define the brief: Regeneration Party The existing concrete steps, and Arts Assembly carry out a feasibility community ownership) stakeholder/ although not fit for purpose study to define scope Potential Funders community anymore, are dramatic • Local cafes of works/outline cost engagement features which bear marks plan • Argyll & of time and tides. They • Dunoon Isles LEADER • Apply for funding form part of Dunoon’s East Community • Appoint design team programme Bay’s identity. They could accordingly be retained as sculptural • Big Lottery Fund Awards for All/ elements and highlighted Potential Funders • Get confirmation Investing In Ideas with feature lighting. of land ownership & • Coastal undertake required Communities Fund • Big Lottery surveys + additionnal Fund Investing in stakeholder/ • Creative Scotland Communities community engagement • Coastal Communities Fund • Apply for funding 4.F2 Play Park Introducing new equipment Lead Agencies Medium • Define the brief: 4.E2 Alexandra Parade Increasing the quality of the Lead Agency Medium to • Define the brief: making the most of the Term carry out a feasibility • Alliance for Promenade materials and street furniture Long Term carry out a feasibility existing “natural play study to define scope Action to create a high quality • Alliance for study to define scope elements” (beach, burn, of works/outline cost public realm strip along the Action of works/outline cost trees…) with various levels of plan play and challenges to suit • Argyll & Bute East Bay. plan Council • Argyll & Bute various age groups. • Appoint design team Council accordingly Adding playful/active • Appoint design team Other features/art interventions accordingly Stakeholders and Other • Get confirmation along the way to enliven this Delivery Partners Stakeholders and long stretch of promenade • Get confirmation of land ownership & Delivery Partners along the shore. of land ownership & • Dunoon Schools/ undertake required Nurseries surveys + additionnal • Sustrans undertake required Making room for a generous surveys + additionnal stakeholder/ cycle path connecting stakeholder/ Potential Funders community Potential Funders engagement Hunter’s Quay Ferry Terminal community • Big Lottery Fund to Dunoon’s Town Centre • Coastal engagement and the Pedestrian Ferry Communities Fund • Apply for funding Local benefactors Terminal • Apply for funding • Creative Scotland See Transport Strategy - Project 4.H2. • Great Place Scheme

98 99 Project Theme 4 Think Place Projects Action Plan

For further detail on funding, please refer to p.116-118 For further detail on funding, please refer to p.116-118

Project Project Name Project Description Recommended Timescale Next Steps Project Project Name Project Description Recommended Timescale Next Steps Number Key Partners Number Key Partners

4.F3 Old McColl’s Also Refer to project 3.3. Lead Agency Medium to - Explore viability 4.G1 Pilot Street Building a series of new Lead Agency Medium to - Define the brief: Hotel Vacant Plot Long Term of a combined Vacant Plot houses to fill the gap formed Long Term carry out a feasibility Exploring opportunities • Alliance for Marine Sports Hub/ by this vacant plot in the • Argyll & Bute study to define scope to create a new visitor Action accommodation townscape fabric. Council of works/outline cost accommodation providing plan a wide range of offers • Argyll & Isles - Define the brief: The design of new houses Other (combined youth hostel and Tourism Co-op carry out a feasibility should be in keeping with Stakeholders and - Appoint design team hotel with shared rooms, study to define scope the local character whilst Delivery Partners accordingly • Owner ensuite...) all with high quality of works/outline cost providing elements of • Alliance for design. A cafe/restaurant plan innovation. - Get confirmation Other Action open to customers and locals Stakeholders and of land ownership & should be incorporated within Delivery Partners - Appoint design team This plot of land is ideally • Private sector undertake required the accommodation. accordingly located for families as it surveys • Accommodation is within close-reach of St • Owner This facility could also providers - Get confirmation Mun’s Primary School and - Apply for funding potentially include a marine of land ownership & Clyde Cottage Nursery. Potential Funders activity hub, to make the • Argyll & Bute undertake required most its location along the Council surveys + additionnal • Private sector West Bay. stakeholder/ • Cowal Marketing community • Fyne Group Group engagement

• Dunoon Presents - Apply for funding • Owner

• VisitScotland

Potential Funders

• Private sector

• Argyll & Isles LEADER programme

100 101 Project Theme 4 Think Place Projects Action Plan

For further detail on funding, please refer to p.116-118 For further detail on funding, please refer to p.116-118

Project Project Name Project Description Recommended Timescale Next Steps Project Project Name Project Description Recommended Timescale Next Steps Number Key Partners Number Key Partners

4.G2 High Kirk Public Creating a safer, more Lead Agency Medium • Define the brief: 4.G3 Adaptive Reuse Various suggestions on Lead Agency Short, • Map out vacant Realm pleasant pedestrian access Term carry out a feasibility of Vacant how to repurpose Dunoon’s Medium buildings around at the Kirk St. entrance. • Alliance for study to define scope Buildings vacant buildings emerged • Alliance for and Long Dunoon and At the corner of Kirk St. Action of works/outline cost during the charrette: Action Term put together an and Kirk brae, pedestrian plan Also refer to exhaustive list of circulation should be • Argyll & Bute Project 1.1 & 2.3. • Heritage museum narrating • Argyll & Bute community needs. prioritised over the car Council • Appoint design team Dunoon’s American Years Council and appropriate footpaths accordingly • Youth Hub • Match each building provided. High quality Potential Funders • Maker Hub/Tool Library Other with the most suited design should highlight the • Get confirmation • Art/Creative Hub Stakeholders and community need/use architectural features of the • Argyll & The of land ownership & • Cycle Hub Delivery Partners (youth hub, creative Kirk. Isles Coast & undertake required • A space to socialise and hub...) Countryside Trust surveys + additional relax • Argyll & Isles stakeholder/ Culture, Heritage • Define a brief for • SNH Green community A feasibility study should be and Arts each building: carry Infrastructure engagement undertaken for each building Assembly out a feasibility study Fund to establish what they to define scope of • Apply for funding should be repurposed as: Potential Funders works/outline cost • SNH plan Scottish Rural > Current library (soon-to-be • Big Lottery Development relocated within Queen’s Hall) Fund • Appoint design team Programme accordingly > Old Post Office • Charitable trusts e.g. Robertson/ • Get confirmation > Old Scottish Hydro Electric Gannochy of land ownership & Shop undertake required • Creative surveys + additional > Gate House (see project Scotland stakeholder/ 4.A3) community engagement

• Apply for funding

102 103 Project Theme 4 Think Place Projects Action Plan

For further detail on funding, please refer to p.116-118 For further detail on funding, please refer to p.116-118

Project Project Name Project Description Recommended Timescale Next Steps Project Project Name Project Description Recommended Timescale Next Steps Number Key Partners Number Key Partners

4.H1 Signage Strategy Retaining some of Lead Agency Short Term - Audit and review 4.H3 Art Strategy A town-wide art strategy Lead Agency Short and - Define the brief: the heritage signage existing signage should be commissioned Long Term carry out a feasibility whilst introducing new • Alliance for provision Refer to to reveal Dunoon’s stories, • Alliance for study to define scope contemporary, legible and Action Appendix G for revitalise the Town, help Action of works/outline cost coherent signs. - Define the brief: full project detail. define the Dunoon’s identity plan • Argyll & Bute carry out a feasibility going forward and establish Other Priority signage upgrades Council study to define scope should be as follow: of works/outline cost the Town as a creative Stakeholders and - Appoint design/ Other plan destination. Delivery Partners artistic team - Additional signs along the Stakeholders and accordingly route from the Pedestrian Delivery Partners - Define Strategic Two main potential projects • Argyll & Bute Ferry Terminal to Argyll locations where emerged through the Council - Define Strategic street • Sustrans signage would be ThinkDunoon Charrette locations suitable for required process: • Argyll & art interventions - Rationalisation of Potential Funders Isles Culture, pedestrian and cyclist signs - Undertake required - Lighting Dunoon: Heritage and Arts - Undertake required around town • Argyll & Bute surveys + additional Council stakeholder/ existing landmarks should Assembly surveys + additionnal - Additional interpretation community be highlighted and new stakeholder/ signage highlighting • Great Place engagement lighting art work should be • Local Art community Dunoon’s built, natural, Scheme commissioned to enhance Groups/ Artists engagement cultural and social history. - Apply for funding Dunoon’s nightscape (also see project 4A.9) Potential Funders - Apply for funding - Appoint design team accordingly - Outdoor Museum/Art Trail: • Big Lottery 4.H2 Transport Dunoon’s overall transport Lead Agency Short Term - Audit and review the treasures buried in the Fund Awards for Strategy strategy needs to be reviewed, existing transport Castle House Museum should All/Investing In with priority given to • Alliance for strategy, focusing be revealed and form part of Ideas Also refer to pedestrians and cyclists: Action on existing provision an open-air gallery collection Appendix D for pedestrian and • Big Lottery • Review of accessibility Other cyclists around town (e.g. diasabled Stakeholders and Fund Investing in access, need for tactile paving Delivery Partners - Appoint design team Communities for partially sighted, existing accordingly street furniture hindering • Argyll & Bute • Creative movement, crossing points for Council - Define the brief: those on mobility scooters...) Scotland carry out a feasibility • Town-wide cycling strategy • Sustrans study to define scope with improved cycle route of works/outline cost (especially the connection • Transport plan from the vehicular to the Scotland pedestrian ferry) with suitable - Define Strategic cycle parking and facilities Potential Funders locations where and development of a cycle physical intervention economy. • Argyll & Bute is needed Also see project 3.4. Council - Undertake required • Improvement of bus stops • Transport surveys + additionnal and taxi ranks around town Scotland stakeholder/ community • Review car parking strategy • Sustrans engagement

• Potential reintroduction of - Apply for funding car ferry closer to the town centre

104 105 Project Theme 4 Think Place Projects Action Plan

For further detail on funding, please refer to p.116-118 For further detail on funding, please refer to p.116-118

Project Project Name Project Description Recommended Timescale Next Steps Project Project Name Project Description Recommended Timescale Next Steps Number Key Partners Number Key Partners

4.H4 Landscape It is crucial that a Lead Agencies Medium - Review existing 4.H5 Public Toilets Public Toilets should be Lead Agency Short and - Review Public Toilet Strategy Landscape Strategy/Plan is Term seascape and provided throughout the Medium provision to define established to ensure that • Alliance for landscape town, either within existing • Alliance for Term potential need for new the development of further Action assessements buildings or by designing Action additional facilities outdoor visitor destinations relevant to Dunoon new, safe and attractive doesn’t compromise the • Argyll & Bute and its wider facilities. Other If further facilities are quality and biodiversity of Council landscape (e.g. firth Stakeholders and required: Dunoon’s natural assets. of Clyde Seascape Delivery Partners Other Assessment) - Define the brief: The landscape in and Stakeholders and • Argyll & Bute carry out a feasibility around Dunoon should be Delivery Partners - Audit and review Council study to define scope managed in a sustainable and existing landscape of works/outline cost hollistic way to guarantee • Argyll & conditions, within plan its durability and, therefore, Isles Coast & and at the periphery the durability of Dunoon’s Countryside Trust the Town Centre - Appoint design team outdoor visitor economy. Community (woodland, Firth...) accordingly Woodlands Association - Appoint strategy/ - Define Strategic sites planning team • Dunoon - Get confirmation Schools/Nurseries - Define the brief and of land ownership & timescale: carry out undertake required • Forestry a feasibility study surveys + additional Commission to define scope of stakeholder/ Scotland works/outline cost community plan engagement • Local Coastal partnerships - Define a detailed - Apply for funding Action plan, further • Loch Lomond key partners and & The Trossachs natural heritage National Parks champions

• Scottish Natural - Establish a steering Heritage (SNH) group who will be in charge of delivering • Wildlife/Nature the strategy Networking Groups - Apply for funding

Potential Funders

• Refer to stakeholders list above

106 107 Next Steps Project Priority THINK COMMUNITY

Project Project Name Attractive Thriving Inclusive Welcoming Empowered Accessible Creative & Dunoon Dunoon Dunoon Dunoon Dunoon Dunoon Distinctive Dunoon

As mentioned in chapter 2, 7 objectives have been defined The objectives are used to prioritise projects, the more 1.A - Social Enterprise & Third Sector Opportunities in order to achieve Dunoon 2017 Vision: objectives a project fulfils, the higher a priority the project 1.A1 Gateway Project becomes. This means small term projects can be as much of 1.A2 Castle Museum 1. ATTRACTIVE DUNOON: Making Dunoon an attractive a priority as long term projects. Each project has been rated according to the following criterias: place to live for all, at all stages in life. 1.A3 US Years Museum 1.A4 West Beach 2. THRIVING DUNOON: Developing a thriving, mixed Strongly contributes to Dunoon 2027 Objectives local economy for Dunoon. 1.A5 Adopt Esplanade Contributes to Dunoon 2027 Objectives 1.A6 Cycle Hub 3. INCLUSIVE DUNOON: Creating an inclusive town centre with accessible services and digital connection for Moderately contributes to Dunoon 2027 Objectives 1.B - Community Ownership & Management all. 1.B1 Growing Site 1.B2 Queen’s Hall 4. WELCOMING DUNOON: Establishing Dunoon as a quality visitor destination. 1.B3 Gateway Project T. 1.B4 Co-working 5. EMPOWERED DUNOON: Strengthening the engagement and empowerment of Dunoon’s local 1.B5 Programming community. 1.C - Coordination & Information Exchange

6. ACCESSIBLE DUNOON: Creating excellent transport 1.C1 Networking connections (pedestrian, cycle, ferry, bus and car). 1.C2 Volunteers 1.C3 Third Sector 7. CREATIVE & DISTINCTIVE DUNOON: Maximising the potential of Dunoon’s high quality creative and cultural 1.C4 Social Enterprise assets as well as its natural, built and social heritage.

THINK LOCAL ECONOMY

Project Project Name Attractive Thriving Inclusive Welcoming Empowered Accessible Creative & Number Dunoon Dunoon Dunoon Dunoon Dunoon Dunoon Distinctive Dunoon 2.1 Shop Local 2.2 Shop Doctor 2.3 Makers Space 2.4 Digital Skills 2.5 Family Housing 2.6 Culinary Culture

THINK TOURISM

Project Project Name Attractive Thriving Inclusive Welcoming Empowered Accessible Creative & Number Dunoon Dunoon Dunoon Dunoon Dunoon Dunoon Distinctive Dunoon 3.1 Unique Selling P. 3.2 Visitor Packages

3.3 Accommodation

3.4 Cycling Town 3.5 Dunoon Project

110 111 Project Priority

Strongly contributes contributes moderately contributes to Dunoon 2027 Objectives

THINK PLACE - 4A WELCOMING HEADLAND THINK PLACE - 4E ACCESSIBLE EAST BAY Project Project Name Attractive Thriving Inclusive Welcoming Empowered Connected Creative & Project Project Name Attractive Thriving Inclusive Welcoming Empowered Accessible Creative & Number Dunoon Dunoon Dunoon Dunoon Dunoon Dunoon Distinctive Number Dunoon Dunoon Dunoon Dunoon Dunoon Dunoon Distinctive Dunoon Dunoon 4.A1 Headland Masterplan 4.E1 Beach Access 4.A2 Interchange 4.E2 Alexandra Parade 4.A3 Gate House Promenade 4.A4 Castlehill Park 4.A5 The Pier THINK PLACE - 4F REACTIVATED WEST BAY 4.A6 Argyll Gardens Project Project Name Attractive Thriving Inclusive Welcoming Empowered Accessible Creative & 4.A7 Old Jetty Number Dunoon Dunoon Dunoon Dunoon Dunoon Dunoon Distinctive Dunoon 4.A8 Lighting Strategy 4.F1 Victoria Parade Promenade THINK PLACE - 4B ATTRACTIVE ARGYLL STREET 4.F2 Play Park Project Project Name Attractive Thriving Inclusive Welcoming Empowered Accessible Creative & 4.F3 Old McColl’s Number Dunoon Dunoon Dunoon Dunoon Dunoon Dunoon Distinctive Hotel Vacant Plot Dunoon 4.B1 Public Realm THINK PLACE - 4G ADDITIONAL PROJECTS 4.B2 Old Scala Cinema Project Project Name Attractive Thriving Inclusive Welcoming Empowered Accessible Creative & 4.B3 Shop Fronts Number Dunoon Dunoon Dunoon Dunoon Dunoon Dunoon Distinctive Dunoon

THINK PLACE - 4C CONNECTED HINGE 4.G1 Pilot Street Vacant Plot Project Project Name Attractive Thriving Inclusive Welcoming Empowered Accessible Creative & 4.G2 High Kirk Public Number Dunoon Dunoon Dunoon Dunoon Dunoon Dunoon Distinctive Realm Dunoon 4.G3 Adaptive Reuse 4.C1 Burgh Hall’s Gdns of Vacant 4.C2 St Johns Ch. Grds Buildings 4.C3 Hanover St. Gdns

THINK PLACE - 4H TOWN-WIDE STRATEGY

THINK PLACE - 4D REVEALED MILTON BURN Project Project Name Attractive Thriving Inclusive Welcoming Empowered Accessible Creative & Number Dunoon Dunoon Dunoon Dunoon Dunoon Dunoon Distinctive Project Project Name Attractive Thriving Inclusive Welcoming Empowered Accessible Creative & Dunoon Number Dunoon Dunoon Dunoon Dunoon Dunoon Dunoon Distinctive Dunoon 4.H1 Signage 4.D1 Milton Strategy 4.H2 Transport 4.D2 Old Rose Garden 4.H3 Art 4.D3 Jane Villa Car Park 4.H4 Landscape 4.D4 St Muns Primary 4.H5 Public Toilets 4.D5 Milton Promenade 4.D6 Dolphin Hall 4.D7 Old Gas Works

112 113 Recommended Priority Projects

Following this rating process, the list below has been put together to identify 23 recommended priority projects (in bold) which would contribute to unlocking Dunoon’s incredible potential.

This list is indicative and should be reviewed by Dunoon Town Team (see p.70).

THINK COMMUNITY THINK PLACE RECOMMENDED PRIORITY PROJECTS RECOMMENDED PRIORITY PROJECTS

1.A3 American Years Heritage Museum Welcoming Headland 1.A6 Cycle hub 4.A1 Welcoming Headland Masterplan 1.B4 Co-Worker Base 4.A2 Ferry Terminal 1.C1 Community Networking 4.A5 The Pier

Connected Hinge THINK LOCAL ECONOMY 4.C1 Burgh Hall’s Gardens RECOMMENDED PRIORITY PROJECTS 4.C2 St Johns Church Ground 2.1 Shop Local 4.C3 Hanover Street Gardens 2.3 Makers Space 2.6 Promote Local Culinary Culture Revealed Milton Burn 4.D1 Milton Burn Landscape Strategy 4.D6 Old Gas Works

THINK TOURISM Accessible East Bay RECOMMENDED PRIORITY PROJECTS 4.E1 Beach Access 3.1 Unique Selling Proposition 3.5 The Dunoon Project Reactivated West Bay 4.F1 Victoria Parade Promenade

Additional Projects 4.G3 Adaptive Reuse of Vacant Buildings

Town Wide Strategies 4.H1 Signage Strategy 4.H2 Transport Strategy 4.H4 Landscape Strategy

Map indicating Dunoon 2027 Recommended Physical Priority Projects. 114 115 Funding (1/2)

Argyll & Bute Council has an External Grants & Funding Further funding resouces can be found at: Web Page that can assist voluntary groups with funding from a variety of sources, including transitional European www.argyll-bute.gov.uk/community-life-and-leisure/ Structural Funds, Lottery distributors and Trusts. grants-and-funding

The table below summarises possible sources of funding for the Dunoon Masterplan/Development Framework and Action Plan Priority Projects.

Public Funding Public Funding

Funding Source Specific Opportunity Funding Source Specific Opportunity Scottish Government Activating Ideas Big Lottery Fund Community Empowerment: Awards for All Regeneration Capital Grant Fund Scottish Land Fund Town Centre Communities Capital Grant Fund Investing in Ideas Town Centre Action Plan e.g. digital towns Investing In Communities: Growing Community Assets Town Centre Empty Homes Fund Awards for All Empowering Communities Fund Coastal Communities Fund Strengthening Communities Programme A+DS ‘Stalled Spaces’ Scottish Towns Partnership Town Centre Living Pilot 2018 Year of Young People Digital Towns Competition

European Funding Programme (2014 – 2020): Transitional Green Infrastructure Fund: SNH/ERDF National Health Service Highland Health & Well-Being Networks Small Grant Fund Arrangements Post ‘Brexit’ vote European Structural & Investment Funds (ESIF) Argyll & Bute Health & Social Care Partnership Integrated Care Fund Argyll & the Islands LEADER Programme Community Innovation Fund

Highlands & Islands Enterprise Scottish Investment Bank Creative Scotland Argyll and the Isles Culture, Heritage and Arts Highland Venture capital Argyll & Bute Council Assembly Creative Place Project Alliance for Action CashBack For Creativity

Historic Environment Scotland Conservation Area Regeneration Scheme Sportscotland Facilities Fund Heritage Lottery Fund Heritage Enterprise Great Place Scheme* Transport Scotland Access: Smarter Choices / Smarter Places Historic Environment Scotland – Scotland’s Urban Past Sustrans: Community Links Programme

Event Scotland National/International Beacon Environmental Argyll & The Isles Coast & Countryside Trust Scottish Clan Fund Branching Out Themed Year events: Year of History, Heritage & SNH Green Infrastructure Fund Archaeology Signature Events Fund (2017) SNH Scottish Rural Development Programme Forestry Commission Scotland – Woods in and around Towns (WIAT) Loch Lomond Trossachs National Park: Community Grant Scheme * Great Place Scheme: In March 2017 HLF announced a pilot of the Great Place Scheme. The Scheme will fund projects in areas like Zero Waste Town Dunoon where ThinkDunoon has demonstrated a commitment to embed heritage in the emerging vison, masterplan/development framework, action plan and decision-making. The Great Place Scheme will not fund any large-scale capital work. In Dunoon the wealth of heritage that includes for example the built environment, nature, Castle House Museum, library and archives, designed landscapes, culture and traditions, events, industrial maritime and transport heritage like the Wooden Pier. The aim in Dunoon is to further strengthen the networks between heritage, civic and community organisations, to involve citizens and local businesses and to share learning with other places. Overall the ThinkDunoon projects will enhance the role that heritage plays in the future of Dunoon and lead to a wide range of social, environmental and economic benefits that heritage can achieve.

116 117 Funding (2/2) Delivery Plan

Private Funding Responding to local property context Recommendations

Funding Source Specific Opportunity Ryden, the ThinkDunoon property expert, presented a The Dunoon Masterplan and Action Plan that has emerged Local business & investors: owners - Argyll & Bute Council to be proactive: de-risking summary of their research on the local property market from the ThinkDunoon events is for all public, private & packaging discrete market ready opportunities (See Appendix E) that highlighted: and third sector stakeholders and not just the public sector. Clearly these are very challenging times. Argyll includes using ‘ghost planning applications’. • Retail availability: 4 retail properties on the market and Bute Council, along with the rest of the public sector - Offer smaller development packages that sit within (actively marketed) : 2 for lease and 2 –for sale. Totals in Scotland, is facing up to a very tough financial climate. the Development Framework to Dunoon based 4,648 sq.ft. The ‘Brexit’ vote increases the uncertainty and risk for new businesses and investors. investment. Argyll and Bute Council budgets are likely to • Retail rents c. £8 - £12 per sq.ft. (comparatively low) continue to reduce over next few years. Costs are rising Development Agreements: Property Leases - Development agreements are a simpler approach while funding is reducing, making it harder to balance • Retail vacancy rate is very low at 1.4% (marketed Council budgets and protect services. where the private sector builds on public sector land. properties only) - Property leases as a security for investors may suit In this context targeting alternative sources of funding like specific uses • Since January 2010 : 18,430 sq.ft. of retail space those outlined in the Funding Opportunities Table will be transacted (sales and lettings) in 13 transactions, averages essential. The funds are often targeted at communities Town Centre Investment Zone Opportunity use the Development Framework to agree around 2,630 sq.ft. and 2 units per annum. (small but and are particularly ‘outcomes driven’ with very specific an approach that would be endorsed by Scottish steady) objectives and outcomes. Therefore it will be essential Government to ‘bend’ project outcomes to meet the specific funding • Multiple retailers : M&Co, Boots the Chemist, RS McColl criteria and set this within the Masterplan/Development Local Benefactors & Opportunistic Sources Approach local benefactors on particular projects and British Red Cross (limited selection) Framework and Action Plan that has resulted from ThinkDunoon. • Supermarkets : Morrisons (John Street) and Co-op (Queen Street) Community Local Funding Sources • Recent store openings : Kirn Parish Church Charity Shop, Funding Source Specific Opportunity Doon the Water gift shop and Bute & Cowal Credit Union Self-build Establish sites & interest database (independent and third sector demand) Public

• Recent store closures – Scottish Hydro Electric store on Custom build Establish sites & interest database John Street (2016); The Pot Shop, Argyll Street (2016); Engrave It, Hillfoot Street, (2016); Girards Jewellers, Argyll Community ownership of ‘community’ assets Development Trust or Community Interest Company Street (2015); Clydesdale Bank closing (2017); Yorkshire Building Society closing (May 2017). (banks and utility being lost) Argyll and the Isles Coast and Countryside Trust (AICCT) Distributes funds to assist local community groups, Private Voluntary Environmental Trust organisations and other environmental bodies to • Office occupiers comprise: local solicitors, accountants, progress projects estate agents, local government offices etc

• Offices located above shops, in retail frontage units and Triodos Bank: Offer loans to organisations working to bring positive & Argyll Business Centre on Argyll Street lasting change. Diagram showing that Dunoon will need contribution from the Public • Main business location is Sandbank Business Park, and Private Sectors as well as from Volunteers to deliver its vision for Robertson/Gannochy Trusts Focus on innovative approach to arts/sport provision located on the A885 north of Dunoon 2027. particularly targeting young people

Opportunistic: E.g. crowd sourcing

118 119 Alliance for Action & Dunoon Town Team

There are also some strong existing partnerships (e.g. emerging opportunities, reconfirm priorities, challenge ThinkDunoon Charrette. The Dunoon Town Team could Dunoon Community Council, Argyll & Bute Third Sector the status quo, provide leadership and act as a proactive include Dunoon Presents Bid Manager, CARS Project Interface, Burgh Hall Trust, Dunoon Presents BID, Dunoon partnership vehicle to co-ordinate investment. In Officer, SURF Alliance for Action Facilitator and Argyll and Regeneration Party.) Chapter 1, Introduction, highlighted these circumstances two delivery components are Bute Council Development Officer. It could be an ‘umbrella’ that SURF has been commissioned by HIE to establishing recommended based on formally establishing an Alliance community delivery organisation which: whether the ‘Alliance for Action’ model is suitable for for Action. They are: Dunoon. • Has the full support of the Alliance for Action and the 1 - Alliance for Action ‘Short Life’ Delivery Group wider Dunoon community (residents & businesses) An ‘Alliance for Action’ is a collaborative and shared A ‘light touch’ focussed strategy group, with a clear learning network of private, public and third sector commitment to deliver the ThinkDunoon outcomes and • Aims to oversee the sustainable regeneration of Dunoon individuals and organisations, which collectively seek to the Masterplan/Development Framework and Action Plan and deliver specific economic, social, environmental and work together towards a common vision. SURF’s approach priorities should be established. This would comprise cultural projects identified in the Development Framework is based on: relevant members of the community/organisations & Action Plan within Dunoon including. Dunoon Community Council, Argyll & Bute Third • Using creative processes: accessing previously ignored, Sector Interface, Burgh Hall Trust, Dunoon Presents BID, • Is independent but seeks to work in partnership with untapped, and disconnected resources in local knowledge, Dunoon Regeneration Party, the emerging and individual other private, public and third sector organisations assets, enterprise and enthusiasms; ThinkDunoon project ‘ambassadors’, council officers, and representatives from partner agencies dependent and The Dunoon Town Team will be essential to ensure • Identifying inspired individuals: connecting with willing appropriate to specific actions. A number of individual effective communication between community partners and creatively ‘working with the rules’ together to ‘ambassadors’ embraced the ThinkDunoon approach, organisations and ‘ambassadors’. It should also guarantee ‘make things happen’; twenty individuals gave short Pecha Kucha presentations that coordinated delivery continues as the implementation at the launch and final presentation events and used the of the Dunoon Masterplan/Development Framework and • Promoting pilot projects and using their value in ThinkDunoon process to progress particular proposals. Action Plan proceeds. The Town Team needs to be in providing essential initial bureaucratic and political cover place quickly and with a visible presence in Dunoon town for breaking barriers and merging roles; The ‘ambassadors’ would be the project champions and centre and shared administration/IT systems. The Town provide the fresh energy required to bring about positive Team would become the clear focus for ensuring that • Applying progressive leadership in scaling-up resultant change and challenge apathy. The Alliance for Action public, private and third sector partners carry forward successful approaches and devolving down further can also encourage ‘social innovations’ and maintain agreed actions. The town team should also be responsible interactive service design and delivery; communication across different community groups, public for progressing actions where no individual partner/ and private sectors as well as provide community capacity ambassador has primary responsibility. • Ensuring greater value for money can be achieved by building. The principle of establishing an Alliance for relatively small catalytic investments in flexible community- Action was discussed at the Final Presentation on 20 April. based partnerships that can connect local information with wider networks. The Argyll and Bute Council officers involved in the Alliance for Action should be of sufficient seniority to The Alliance for Action approach is very well suited to take decisions, lead on projects and influence work assist in delivering the outcomes of the ThinkDunoon programmes within their own services. An early task process where the existing partnerships, agencies will be to agree lead responsibilities and supporting Dunoon and community groups need to collaborate closely contributions, set timescales and agree reporting Presents and establish an agreed strategy and complementary mechanisms for the actions identified in the Dunoon priorities. New ideas (products, services and models) that Masterplan/Development Framework and Action Plan. simultaneously meet the community’s needs and create CARS ABC new social relationships or collaborations across existing In due course the Alliance for Action might evolve into a and new groups should be encouraged. In Dunoon the SCIO and aim to reduce dependency on grant support by Alliance for Action can actively promote these kinds of generating income through enterprise and the ownership innovations to both enhance the community and enhance of assets. SURF community’s capacity to act. 2 - Dunoon Town Team Overall it is essential that SURF and Argyll and Bute Initial discussions and experience elsewhere highlights that Council move quickly and decisively so as to keep up the in the short/medium term the Dunoon Town Team (See momentum that has been built up over the ThinkDunoon adjacent diagram) could be an ideal adequately resourced process and drive forward implementation. Experience ‘coordinating delivery vehicle’ and overcome some of the elsewhere has shown the importance of a respected strategic, coordination and resourcing/staffing challenges ‘neutral forum’ like the Alliance for Action to discuss (See Projects 1.1/1.2/1.3) that were identified during the Diagram showing stakeholders and community groups gravitating around the core Town team to help deliver projects. 120 121 Conclusion

SURF and Argyll and Bute Council is invited to endorse the Dunoon Masterplan/Development Framework and Action Plan - longer term vision, objectives, strategic programmes and projects - as the basis for wider consultation so as to guide future investment decisions in Dunoon over the next ten years.

The immediate next steps are as follows:

• SURF, Argyll and Bute Council and partners to review the Priority Projects Table to confirm projects hierachy and timescale.

• SURF, Argyll and Bute Council and partners commit to establishing an Alliance for Action with a clear commitment to delivery of the Dunoon Masterplan/ Development Framework and Action Plan and convene an early meeting.

• Argyll and Bute Council to formally endorse the Dunoon Masterplan and Action Plan: vision, objectives and projects as the basis for wider consultation, so as to guide future investment decisions in Dunoon over the next ten years.

• Argyll and Bute Council to undertake wider business and community dissemination of the Dunoon Masterplan and Action Plan and publish an online Executive Summary.

• Argyll and Bute Council is to acknowledge the potential ‘fit’ between the Dunoon Masterplan/Development Framework and Action Plan and the emerging replacement Local Development Plan (known as Local Development Plan 2 or LDP2 for short) that is now in preparation. This ThinkDunoon Design Charrette Final Report should be regarded as a material consideration on the development and use of land in Dunoon in the preparation of LDP2.

• The Alliance for Action and Dunoon Town Team and partners to review progress on delivery of the Dunoon Masterplan/Development Framework and Action Plan at an annual event to encourage public, private and third sector partners to review progress and discuss new ways of responding to emerging challenges and opportunities in Dunoon.

122 123 Appendices Appendix A Physical Interventions Project Sheets

126 4.A Welcoming Headland 4.A1 Headland Masterplan

“Welcoming Headland” vision 4A - Welcoming Headland PROJECT LIST You said Key Proposals

In 2027, the Headland, which stretches from the Ferry 4.A1 Headland Masterplan “Dated feel” Creating a coherent “Headland” masterplan bringing Terminal to the bottom of Argyll Street, is a welcoming 4.A2 Public Transport Interchange together the Public Transport Interchange (project 4.A2), gateway into Dunoon’s Town Centre. It is also the 4.A3 Gate House “Not pedestrian friendly” the Castle House Museum, Queen’s Hall, the Pier and the promontory to an incredible collection of reactivated 4.A4 Castlehill Park general Headland’s public realm. Opportunities include landmarks: the Castle House, the Queen’s Hall and the Pier. 4.A5 The Pier “Not pleasant” (non-exhaustive list): 4.A6 Argyll Gardens 4.A7 Dunoon’s Waterfront Park An amphitheatre has been built into Castlehill Park’s “Cluttered” • Reactivating existing landmarks (Castle House Museum, 4.A8 Headland Lighting Scheme the Pier...) slopes to accommodate large outdoor shows and create a space to sit and enjoy the drama of the Firth of Clyde • Reactivating the Gate House (see project 4.A3) landscape. • A better pedestrian connection from Dunoon’s pedestrian The Headland’s public realm has been redesigned to ferry terminal to the bottom of Argyll Street with potential provide a legible and accessible approach from the ferry widening of footpaths where possible terminal to the Town Centre. Argyll Gardens and the old Jetty have become generous civic spaces connecting • Introduction of quality and distinctive street furniture in a Dunoon’s waterfront to the bustling Argyll Street. At night, tidy manner to de-clutter the “Headland’s” public realm. the main landmarks are illuminated, creating a spectacular arrival experience into Dunoon.

4.A7

4.A6

4.A1 Historical Image (No clutters - open feel) Existing Situation

4.A4 4.A5

4.A2 4.A3

Welcoming Headland - Location Plan Proposed - Precedent Reference Proposed Sketch “De-cluttered Headland” 128 Proposed Sketch Plan 129 4.A2 Ferry Terminal | Facility & Public Realm 4.A3 Gate House | Refurbishment You said Key Proposals You said Key Proposals

“The Car parking area is not regulated: Designing a combined ferry and bus terminal facility “What does a derelict building as a first impression say Creating a contemporary intervention (potentially a free for all and tricky access for buses” with sheltered spaces, bathroom facilities, a seating about Dunoon...” small information point or gallery), which respects area, a tourism information office, room for advertising the heritage whilst creating a more appropriate first “No sense of welcoming/arrival” Dunoon’s main attractions, customer information, “It is a real shame to let this building deteriorate” impression for Dunoon. ticketing, wayfinding… etc “ No adequate signage/adds and promotion material Restructuring and “greening” the car park to enhance “No shelter, no bathroom facility” the quality of this key arrival space into Dunoon.

“No intermodal connection between ferry and buses”

Existing Situation Existing Situation

Proposed - Precedent Reference Proposed - Precedent Reference 130 131 4.A4 Castlehill Park You said Key Proposals

“Beautiful park but difficult to access” Shaping a coherent spatial plan for the redevelopment of Castlehill Park aiming to regenerate this key open space “Dated feel” whilst respecting its heritage. Opportunities include (non-exhaustive list): “Nothing to do” • Creating a large amphitheatre integrated within the existing slope with associated performance space for outdoors shows, festivals, fireworks, or just to embrace the spectacle of the Firth of Clyde’s landscape

• Refurbishing the Castle House Museum and creating a more welcoming and accessible entrance

Existing

Existing Situation

Proposed - Precedent Reference Proposed Sketch

132 133 4.A5 The Pier 4.A6 Argyll Gardens You said - Charrette Feedback Short Term You said Key Proposals Part of the Pier’s buildings and infrastructure has “It is a shame the Pier can’t be used for events” already beneficiated from a first phase of refurbishment. “Never used” Transforming Argyll Gardens into one of Dunoon’s main Unfortunately, planning conditions prevent the community outdoors civic spaces: an open, pleasant and flexible “It would be nice to see the rest of the Pier’s from accessing it for events, festivals, fairs... etc “No meaningful purpose” plaza which can accommodate large marching bands, infrastructure refurbished as well” events, farmers markets, craft markets… A quick win would be to make the refurbished builing more “Unpractical” accessible to the community and to further consult with Argyll & Bute Council Position on the future of The Pier Argyll Gardens should connect Dunoon’s Waterfont to its SEPA to understand the requirements to enable a change of “Existing Band Stand too small to have proper retail core: Argyll Street. use. “The whole of Dunoon Pier including the three main marching bands” historic buildings which stand on the pier (Main Waiting Medium/long Term Room, Harbourmaster Building and Signal Tower) is In the medium term, the Scottish Government will make listed Category ‘A’ by Historic Environment Scotland. This their decision on the ferry operator which will have a is an indication of the rare survival of Dunoon Pier within bearing on how the pier is used in the future. the Scottish context as both a timber steam boat jetty and pleasure pier. Beyond the ferry, a long-term vision for a sustainable use of the Pier is needed. In going forward it will be essential that any proposals for the refurbishment of the pier balance the potentially It is also critical to secure a funding package to stabilise the competing demands of: a long term sustainable pier structure and bring the other building back to life. economic use for the pier and its’ buildings; its position as a nationally significant heritage asset; and the requirements of the key statutory bodies with respect to the on-going safe and efficient use of the pier.”

Existing

Existing Situation

Existing Situation Proposed - Precedent Reference Proposed - Precedent Reference 134 135 4.A7 Dunoon Waterfront Park 4.A8 Headland Lighting Scheme You said Key Proposals You said Key Proposals

“Under-utilised space” Transforming the current car parking area into Dunoon’s “The existing lighting is dim and unattractive” Highlighting the Headland’s main existing features (a.i. main waterfront public space. Argyll Hotel, Castle House, Highland Mary…) to create an “ It is a shame to have a car parking area attractive night-time landscape. right on the waterfront” Introducing seating spaces with associated planting beds to create a buffer between Alexandra parade and Commissioning additional sculptural lighting features this new amenity space. to add more texture and interest to the public realm at night. Redesigning the old Jetty as an open promontory for visitors and locals to enjoy the Firth’s scenery.

Existing

Existing Situation

Existing Situation

Proposed - Precedent Reference Proposed - Precedent Reference Proposed - Precedent Reference Proposed Sketch Plan 136 137

4.B Attractive Argyll Street 4.B1 Argyll Street Public Realm You said Short Term Testing various types of events, uses and street furniture “Very dated feel” elements with minor adjustments to improve barrier free “Attractive Argyll Street” vision 4B - Attractive Argyll Street PORJECT LIST accessibility (e.g. street crossing points) and wayfinding. “Impractical barriers” In 2017, Argyll Street already has an incredible array of 4.B1 Argyll Street Public Realm Long Term independent shops and is flanked by two major cultural 4.B2 Old La Scala Cinema Following up from short term interventions, transforming anchors: the Queen’s Hall and Burgh Hall. The street 4.B3 Shop Front Improvement Argyll Street into a welcoming, attractive street is formed by a dense and almost continuous series of with a distinctive and flexible streetscape which can victorian townhouses seldomly interrupted by narrow accommodate events, market stalls… lanes and streets, some of them providing views onto the waterfront on one side and onto the hills on the other. Redefining the car parking strategy (also see project The quality of the public realm should do justice to these 4.H2) to prioritise pedestrian circulation. existing assets and help support Dunoon’s local shops.

In 2027, following the CARS works, shop front regeneration sheme and public realm improvements, Argyll street has become distinctive, pleasant and welcoming. Markets and fairs are frequently organised and the Queen’s Hall and Burgh Hall help coordinating events inviting locals and visitors to dwell along Argyll Street and spend time in the Town Centre.

Existing

Existing Situation

Site Plan Proposed - Precedent Reference - Short Term Proposed - Precedent Reference - Long Term

140 141 4.B2 La Scala Cinema 4.B3 Shop Front Improvement

You said Key Proposals You said Key Proposals

“If the Art Deco Cinema could be refurbished, together Undertaking a study to identify capacity to support “Concentrate on maintaining existing buildings to Creating a “Shop Front Initiative” to define a coordinated with the Queens and Burgh Halls, we would have three other functions in upper floors of current M&Co (old La complement on-going works to Queens Hall, Burgh Hall strategy to define temporary and permanent lively cultural anchors that would help breathe new life Scala Cinema) & Dunoon Pier etc.” interventions to improve shop fronts. into the town” Creatively upgrading of the frontage, not a reinstatement “It would be wonderful to see well designed and low of the cinema façade but perhaps a different take on maintenance shop fronts with a visual cohesion that says something as impactful and more contemporary. ‘quality’ ”

Three Cultural Anchors for Dunoon

Existing

Existing Situation

Existing Situation Historical Image Proposed - Precedent Reference 142 143 4.C Connected Hinge 4.C1 Burgh Hall Gardens “Connected Hinge” vision You said Key Proposals

In 2027, St Johns Church Grounds, Hanover Street Gardens “An outdoor space adjacent to the refurbished Creating an intimate wildlife garden with a café and the Burgh Hall Gardens have been transformed into Burgh Hall needs to be created” extension, a play area and a visual poetry and a three-fold “hinge”park, linking Dunoon’s low and high performance space developed together with the local levels and becoming a prime viewing platform to embrace creative community. the whole of Dunoon’s incredible townscape and wider landscape setting. The category A listed St Johns Church is enhanced by feature lighting and the Burgh Hall curates exhibitions and performances in their festive art garden.

4C - Connected Hinge PROJECT LIST

4.C1 Burgh Hall’s Gardens 4.C2 St Johns Church Ground 4.C3 Hanover Street Gardens

Location Plan Existing

Existing Situation

4.C2

4.C3 4.C1

Proposed Sketch Plan Proposed - Precedent Reference Proposed - Precedent Reference 144 145 4.C2 St Johns Church Grounds 4.C3 Hanover Street Gardens You said / Observations Key Proposals You said / Observations Key Proposals

St John’s Church grounds could be more accessible and Enhancing St John’s Church setting by restructuring its Hanover Gardens is a very strategic open space. From its Restructuring the gardens to provide generous seating better connected to Hanover Street Gardens. slopping grounds into a beautifully lit feature stepped top you can embrace all the main elements of Dunoon’s to enjoy the views, a better connection to St Johns embankment with seating and an accessible path leading landscape: the Firth, the Hills and the Townscape. Church Grounds and more colorful and textured planting up to Hanover Street Gardens. It is flanked by two remarkable landmarks: St John’s whislt retaining some of its Victorian heritage features Church and the Burgh Hall. such as the cast iron fountain.

But, the gardens have a “dated feel and no comfortable seating”.

Existing

Existing Situation - Views onto the Inner Firth of Clyde Existing Situation - Views onto the Hills

Existing Situation Proposed - Precedent Reference Proposed - Precedent Reference Proposed - Precedent Reference 146 147 4.d Revealed Milton Burn 4.D1 Milton Burn Landscape Strategy “Revealed Milton Burn” vision You said Key Proposals

Further down Argyll Street, past John Street, the “It would be great to create a walk along the Creating a coherent Milton Burn Promenade masterplan. townscape fabric loosens and marks the beginning of the Milton Burn” Milton Burn’s Valley. The Milton Burn currently forms a Opportunities include (non-exhaustive list): natural link flowing through a series of open spaces but is The Clyde Cottage Nursery already have plans for the not easily accessible nor visible. woodland area running alongside the Burn and are - Creation of park pavilions including new permanent currently investigating the possibility of adopting the structures, temporary structures and refurbishment of In 2027, the burn should be revealed and its surrounding land behind their nursery to create a ‘Forest play park’. soon-to-be vacant library building spaces should be read as one continuous undulating promenade with various lively cafes and pavilions as well - Installation of a board walk along the Burn with as plenty of play opportunities. additional bridges and artworks

- Design of playful elements to be integrated along the promenade 4D - Revealed Milton Burn PROJECT LIST - Introduction of seating spaces along the burn (built 4.D1 Milton Burn Masterplan into existing slopes) 4.D2 Old Rose Garden 4.D3 Jane Villa Car Park - Renaturalisation of the burn’s edges with a more 4.D4 St Muns Primary diverse planting palette. 4.D5 Dolphin Hall Public Realm 4.D6 Old Gas Works

Location Plan

4.D6 4.D3 Existing Situation

4.D2

4.D4

4.D5

Proposed Sketch Plan Proposed - Precedent Reference Proposed - Precedent Reference 148 149 4.D2 Old Rose Garden 4.D3 Jane Villa Car Parking You said Key Proposals You said Key Proposals

“More colorful plants should be added” Creating a playful garden located within close reach “Not a pleasant sight” “Greening” the edge of the car parking area to blend it of Argyll Street and making the most of the burn’s within the Milton Burn Park context. “Dunoon needs more play areas” undulating landscape. Reinstating a quality boundary stone wall with potential This playful space could be developped together with artwork to create a stronger visual continuity with the Dunoon Schools and Nurseries, especially Clyde Cottage rest of the existing streetscape. Nursery who already have plans to create a Forest Play Area in the woodland area at the back of the Doctors Surgery.

Existing Situation

Existing Situation Proposed - Precedent Reference Proposed - Precedent Reference 150 151 4.D4 St Mun’s Primary + Clyde Cottage Nursery 4.D5 Dolphin Hall Public Realm You said / Observations Key Proposals You said / Observations Key Proposals

The school is in an amazing location but is not making Reconfiguring the school/nursery building to increase The car parking area should be rationalised . Creating a better setting for the Dolphin Hall using the most of its proximity to the burn. its relationship to the Milton Burn and its surrounding quality material and introducing trees and planting beds. landscape. The entrance of the building should be highlighted by a new quality public realm doing justice to the quality of This facility has the potential to become an excellent the building. “nature” school with a high emphasis on outdoors cross- curriculum activities, adding another valuable asset to Dunoon School Estate.

Existing Existing

Existing Situation Existing Situation

Proposed - Precedent Reference Proposed - Precedent Reference Proposed - Precedent Reference Proposed - Precedent Reference 152 153 4.D6 Old Gas Works You said Key Proposals

“It would be great to be able to use this vacant site as a Before any major developments are undertaken onsite, kick-about space” the Old Gas Works could benefit from a series of short- term interventions including (non-exhaustive list): “We need a growing space close to town” • Depolluting the site by planting hyper-accumulating “The soil is very polluted = Transforming the site into a vegetation (birch, hazel, willow...) which would, over time, biodiversity hub to balance out all the years during which extract the pollution out of the soil. the site was neglected would be a nice idea” • Installing a board walk besides the Milton Burn which runs along the eastern edge of the site.

• Creating an allotment area with raised planters, gathering spaces and informal play areas.

• The site could be used as a testing ground for cultural and community events. Capitalising on the existing “Cowal Highland Gathering”, an event happening every Summer at Dunoon’s Stadium, (5 minute walk from the Old Gas Works), the site could also accommodate a “Cowal Highland Games Fringe Festival”. Also refer to project 3.1.

Existing Situation

Proposed - Precedent Reference Proposed - Precedent Reference Proposed - Precedent Reference 154 155 4.E Accessible East Bay 4.E1 Beach Access You said Short Term Creating temporary steps to allow easier access to the “The East bay is not easily accessible, beach. “Accessible East Bay” vision 4E - Accessible East Bay PROJECT LIST it is very frustrating!” Long Term Dunoon’s East and West Bays are the town’s largest public 4.E1 Beach Access Creating a series of permanent features (ramps and spaces and one of its most formidable assets. 4.E2 Alexandra Parade Promenade steps with associated beach pavilions…) to allow easier access to the beach from Alexandra Parade. The East Bay’s access steps are currently in poor condition which makes the beach very difficult to get to from The existing concrete steps, although not fit for purpose Alexandra Parade’s Promenade. anymore, are dramatic features which bear marks of time and tides. They form part of Dunoon’s East Bay’s In 2027, new access steps and ramps have been installed identity. They could be retained as sculptural elements along with cafe pavilions and art interventions. The and highlighted with feature lighting. old steps have been retained as sculptural features illuminated at night. Alexandra Parade’s Promenade has been improved with more seating and planting to screen it from the busy road. It has become a prime spot for roller skating, cycling and walking along the beach.

Existing Situation Existing Situation

Location plan Proposed - Precedent Reference - Short Term Proposed - Precedent Reference - Long Term 156 157 4.E2 Alexandra Parade’s Promenade You said Key Proposals

“The overall promenade experience needs to Increasing the quality of the materials and street be enhanced” furniture to create a high quality public realm strip along the East Bay.

Adding playful/active features/art interventions along the way to enliven this long stretch of promenade along the shore.

Making room for a generous cycle path connecting Hunter’s Quay Ferry Terminal to Dunoon’s Town Centre and the Pedestrian Ferry Terminal

See Transport Strategy - Project 4.H2.

Existing Situation Proposed - Precedent Reference Proposed - Precedent Reference

158 159 4.F Reactivated West Bay 4.F1 Victoria Parade Promenade You said Key Proposals

“The beach and promenade look dirty!” Designing a new public realm and facilities which would “Reactivated West Bay” vision 4F - Reactivated West Bay support Dunoon’s community’s ambition for the West “It would be great to be able to run family events” bay (more temporary events, festivals…) Unlike the East Bay, the West Bay is currently easily 4.F1 Victoria Parade Promenade accessible. However, the Dunoon’s community feels like 4.F2 Play Park “We need better seating areas, toilets, cafes…” Introducing pavilions along the bay (temporary/ this space is largely under-used. 4.F3 Old McColl’s Hotel Vacant Plot permanent, seasonal, destination, high quality, flexible lease/contract agreement, potential community In 2027, capitalising on its location along the “Argyll Sea ownership) Kayak Trail”, the West Bay has become a Marine Sports Hub. Its public realm has been redesigned with more seating and beach pavilions enabling the community to organise events. Playful elements, including natural play, have also been introduced along Victoria Parade.

Existing Situation Proposed - Precedent Reference

Site Plan Proposed - Precedent Reference Proposed - Precedent Reference

160 161 4.F2 Play Park 4.F3 Old McColl’s Hotel Vacant Plot You said / Observations Key Proposals You said Key Proposals

The current play park is strategically located along the Introducing new equipment making the most of the “This site is very visible from the Castlehill Park and located Also Refer to project 3.3. beach and at the mouth of Blagaish Burn but the existing existing “natural play elements” (beach, burn, trees…) on a prime spot to develop something meaningful for play equipment doesn’t not encourage children to with various levels of play and challenges to suit various Dunoon” Exploring opportunities to create a new visitor make the most of this incredible location. There should age groups. accommodation providing a wide range of offers be ”different levels of to climb, different surfaced and “Once the Queen’s hall is complete, where are all (combined youth hostel and hotel with shared rooms, textures, more natural play…” the conference delegates going to sleep?” ensuite...) all with high quality design. A cafe/restaurant open to customers and locals should be incorporated within the accommodation.

This facility could also potentially include a marine activity hub, to make the most its location along the West Bay.

Existing

Existing Situation

Existing Situation

Proposed - Precedent Reference Proposed - Precedent Reference Proposed - Precedent Reference

162 163 4.G Additional Projects 4.G1 Pilot Street Vacant Plot You said Key Proposals

“We need to attract more young families in Dunoon” Building a series of new houses to fill the gap formed by this vacant plot in the townscape fabric. 4G - Additional Projects LIST The design of new houses should be in keeping with the 4.G1 Pilot Street Vacant Plot local character whilst providing elements of innovation. 4.G2 High Kirk Public Realm 4.G3 Adaptive Reuse of Vacant Buildings: This plot of land is ideally located for families as it is within close-reach of St Mun’s Primary School and Clyde > Current library (soon-to-be relocated within Queen’s Hall) Cottage Nursery. > Old Post Office > Old Scottish Hydro Electric Shop > Gate House

Existing Situation Proposed - Precedent Reference 164 165 4.G2 High Kirk Public Realm 4.G3 Adaptive Reuse of Vacant Buildings You said Key Proposals You said Key Proposals

“Unsafe access to the Kirk” Creating a safer, more pleasant pedestrian access at the “ It is a shame to let all those buildings deteriorate when Various suggestions on how to repurpose Dunoon’s Kirk St. entrance. At the corner of Kirk St. and Kirk brae, they could be turned into something positive for the vacant buildings emerged during the charrette: pedestrian circulation should be prioritised over the car community” and appropriate footpaths provided. High quality design • Heritage museum narrating Dunoon’s American Years should highlight the architectural features of the Kirk. “For people living rurally a (free?) space in town where • Youth Hub we can - do emails, sit when it’s lashing of rain, bring kids • Maker Hub/Tool Library without spending money. Would be incredibly useful and • Art/Creative Hub save endless trips in/out ” • Cycle Hub • A space to socialise and relax “We should have a new indoors attraction in Dunoon, a museum marking the American Years for example” A feasibility study should be undertaken for each building to establish what they should be repurposed as:

Existing

Existing Situation. From left to right: Old Post Office, Vacant Scottish Hydro Electric Shop & Soon to be vacant Dunoon’s Library (to be relocated within refurbished Queen’s Hall).

Existing Situation Proposed - Precedent Reference Top: Community Hubs/Maker Spaces Precedent References - Bottom: Museum/Heritage/Interpretation Centre Precedent References 166 167 4.H Town-Wide Strategies

168 168 169 4.H1 Signage Strategy 4.H2 Transport Strategy You said Key Proposals You said Key Proposals

“Signage in Dunoon is all over the place!” Retaining some of the heritage signage whilst “Bad quality crossing points” Dunoon’s overall transport strategy needs to be reviewed, introducing new contemporary, legible and coherent “Underused and un welcoming bus stops” with priority given to pedestrians and cyclists: signs. “Lots of clutter on Argyll Street” “Ferry Terminal not very accessible for prams and • Review of accessibility around town (e.g. disabled access, Priority signage upgrades should be as follow: wheelchairs” need for tactile paving for partially sighted, existing street “The car parking strategy is incoherent” furniture hindering movement, crossing points for those on - Additional signs along the route from the Pedestrian mobility scooters...) Ferry Terminal to Argyll street • Town-wide cycling strategy with improved cycle route - Rationalisation of pedestrian and cyclist signs around (especially the connection from the vehicular to the town pedestrian ferry) with suitable cycle parking and facilities and development of a cycle economy. Also see project 3.4. - Additional interpretation signage highlighting Dunoon’s built, natural, cultural and social history. • Improvement of bus stops and taxi ranks around town

• Review car parking strategy

• Potential reintroduction of car ferry closer to the town centre

Existing Situation Existing Situation

Proposed - Precedent Reference Proposed - Precedent Reference Proposed - Clutter free streets with cycle parkign and tactile paving Proposed - Improved Bus Stop Precedent 170 Precedent 171 4.H3 Art Strategy You said Key Proposals

“It would be brilliant to have an art park and an art trail in A town-wide art strategy should be commissioned to town” reveal Dunoon’s stories, revitalise the Town, help define the Dunoon’s identity going forward and establish the Town as a creative destination.

Two main potential projects emerged through the ThinkDunoon Charrette process:

- Lighting Dunoon: existing landmarks should be highlighted and new lighting art work should be commissioned to enhance Dunoon’s nightscape (also see project 4A.9)

- Outdoor Museum/Art Trail: the treasures buried in the Castle House Museum should be revealed and form part of an open-air gallery collection

The “treasures” of the Castle Museum Silhouettes near the Burgh Hall Outdoor Museum, Helensburgh Scape, Stephen Hurrel & John Vella

172 173 4.H4 Landscape Strategy 4.H5 Public Toilets You said Key Proposals You said Key Proposals

“Let’s make the most of Dunoon’s surrounding to develop t is crucial that a Landscape Strategy/Plan is established “We need public toilets in Dunoon, to make the Town Public Toilets should be provided throughout the town, more outdoors destination” to ensure that the development of further outdoor Centre more welcoming to visitors” either within existing buildings or by designing new, safe visitor destinations doesn’t compromise the quality and and attractive facilities. biodiversity of Dunoon’s natural assets.

The landscape in and around Dunoon should be managed in a sustainable and hollistic way to guarantee its durability and, therefore, the durability of Dunoon’s outdoor visitor economy.

Existing Situation - The woodland forms a backfrop to the town and Existing Situation - If the beach is going to be made more accessible is widely visible from across the Firth. It is currently heavily exploited. and inclusive, the local coastal management strategy should reviwed Proposed - Precedent References Its management could be audited to define a more sustainable forest and adjusted if needed. management strategy.

174 175 Appendix B Think

Community Engagement In preparation for the Think Dunoon Charrette, a team from WAVEparticle visited Dunoon on Friday 10th and Saturday 11th March. WAVEparticle is an art organisation Dunoon Pre- Charrette who specialise in developing and delivering effective community engagement and treat engagement as a Friday 10th and Saturday 11th March, 2017 creative process and artform. In preparation for the Think Dunoon Charrette at the end of the month, a A sample of the stories, ideas, heritage and ambition team from WAVEparticle visited Dunoon on Friday 10th and Saturday 11th discussed is captured in a short film which is available to watch via: March. WAVEparticle is an art organisation who specialise in developing and delivering effective community engagement and treat engagement as a https://www.facebook.com/pg/ThinkDunoon/ creative process and artform. videos/?ref=page_internal Day 1: Friday 10th March

The WAVEparticle team, including Lizzy OÕBrien, artist Fe Houston along with artist Stephen Hurrel who hails from Dunoon, arrived in the town off the Western Ferry, and though the weather was a little dreich, they received a warm welcome from all the people they met.

Think Dunoon Schools workshop 176 177 Their first stop was Dunoon Grammar, where Head Teacher David Mitchell had kindly agreed to host a creative collective schools workshop, which included S1 pupils from Dunoon Grammar, along with pupils from Dunoon, Kirn, St. MunÕs and Sandbank Primary Schools.

With the aid of a large vinyl map of Dunoon and its environs, gold stars and red dots, and the Postcard From The Future, the pupils were encouraged to think about and envisage Dunoon in 2027.

Gold Stars: the pupils placed their gold stars on the map on the following locations: a local rope / zip slide; the swing park; the library; BishopÕs Glen; the football stadium; the local cinema; crazy golf; stables on the outskirts of the town; the swimming pool; Blacks- the local bakery in the town; the Castle gardens; it has to be said that the Seasons Coffee House was singled out by quite a few of the pupils as their favourite place in the town, particularly popular with the 13/14 yr olds because itÕs somewhere for them to hang out after school, plus the Dunoon Baptist church runs eXp there, a club for early teens on a Friday evening. The pupils visualised their comments through the placing of the coloured dots on the big map. Red Dots: the pupils placed their red dots on the map on the following ¥ A Gold Star to mark a significant place, organisation or something in places: Ð quite a lot of red dots went down on Argyle Street, there was a the town that works particularly well. Where / what might that be? general consensus amongst the pupils that the main street had too many ¥ A Red Dot for an area that needs improving. Where might that be? charity shops, not enough variety in terms of other shopping, it was a bit grey, one of the teaching staff described it as Òa bit tiredÓ and the pupils said there There were 30 pupils in total, with ages ranging from ten to fourteen years old were shops that they werenÕt allowed into unless accompanied by an adult. (which was a nice hook for DunoonÕs Postcard From The Future, which asks Red dots also went on the West Bay, three of the pupils felt there could be pupils to imagine themselves in 10 years time- and gets them to describe how more activities there for young people, one pupil mentioned rollerblading, plus the changes they would like to see happen, have been implemented). The there was an issue with litter; red dots also went on the beach Ð which was age range was a great dynamic in the workshops, with the younger children deemed to be too rocky and some pupils noted the difficulty of access to the reminding everyone of how to draw on your imagination! beach because the steps had been eroded by the weather; the skatepark needed to be in a different location and refurbished; and one youngster said It was a real pleasure to meet and work with all the young people representing that it would be great to have new / cleaner public toilets. their schools. The WAVEparticle team was really impressed by the pupils insight, imagination and engagement, and by how much they could tell them Video portraits were taken of a number of the pupils reading their Postcard about Dunoon. From The Future. And Archie, the photographer from The Dunoon Observer,

178 179 popped in to the workshop to take a photo of all the children standing on the big map, gold stars at the ready.

All of the schools have been alerted to the Think Dunoon Schools Session The WAVEparticle team then adjourned to the Seasons Coffee House, which on the 28th March- the head teachers have been invited to send pupils along had featured so strongly in the schools workshop as somewhere deserving of to the session to take part and share their views. Kirn PS has already a plethora of gold stars. They spoke with the staff at Seasons and told them confirmed that they will be coming along. how popular the cafŽ was with the young people of the town, the Seasons staff were delighted with the feedback. Directly after the schools workshop, the WAVEparticle team took themselves and the big map to meet with Ann Black Campbell of Dunoon Burgh Hall Trust. Ann is a font of knowledge, with great insight into and ideas and suggestions about all things Dunoon, and is very focussed on making the Dunoon Burgh Hall a success- local people are genuinely excited about the imminent re- opening of the Burgh Hall. Ann has volunteered to participate in the pecha kucha event on the evening of the Charrette launch, as has Stephen Hurrel, and Ann also suggested a couple of other local people to contact to take part in the pecha kucha, including John Stirling at the Castle House Museum, whom she described as the king of Dunoon!

Day 2 : Saturday 11th March

After a great breakfast at the Yachtsman cafŽ, which has recently re-opened, WAVEparticle Lead Artist, Peter McCaughey, along with artist Morgan Russell and Stephen Hurrel, walked the town with the large vinyl map, meeting / interviewing townsfolk, and letting everyone they met know about, and invited them to, the Think Dunoon Charrette and related events.

180 181

The places the WAVEparticle team visited amongst others included: Morrisons, where they engaged shoppers and passers-by in conversation around the large map - Martin the manager told them about a planned initiative to support local produce, and young David the bag packing bag piper, said he would ask the band to pipe at the Think Dunoon Charrette!

Observations, suggestions and ideas that were offered by local people ranged from local businessman Andy pointing out the need for a Cowal & Dunoon Business Directory, as the last one was printed in 1999, to a plan from Camilla, a local rambler, to gather walkers together and plot their favourite routes & walks in and around Dunoon on a map and create a downloadable PDF. There was also discussion about how to make use of the vacant shops in the town centre and the potential that existed to do something great with them.

The team also visited the local independent cinema, where Ben & Grant showed them around and discussed how the cinema is a significant hub in the town. And letÕs not forget the visits to Gibson Electrical, which is home to one of the largest collections of Scottish music and to T J Sharp the local jewellers, with the young couple who were making a special to Dunoon to have their wedding rings made!

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The team also invited local people to take part in the pecha kucha. The short pecha kucha format is where every contributor presents 10 images x 20 seconds. WAVEparticle piloted the use of the pecha kucha event with great success at the launch of a previous charrette. The format is a great vehicle for exchange - celebrating the existing activities and efforts in the area, but also stimulating exciting new opportunities - inscribing local knowledge at the heart of the charrette process, right at the very start. The pecha kucha for Think Dunoon is already lining up to be a great evening Ð with a number of participants already confirmed.

Dunoon is a beautiful part of the world and the response from the people that the WAVEparticle team met over their two days in Dunoon has been terrific. There will be a short film to reflect this pre-charrette stage, which will be screened as part of the Think Dunoon launch event on the 28th March.

See below a collection of tweets from WAVEparticleÕs time in Dunoon.

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188 189

190 191 Dunoon Economic Policy & Community Planning & Context 1. Argyll & Bute Economic Forum Report: Feb. 2016

Opportunities for Increased Employment A. Tourism & Hospitality – Marketing – Seasonality Appendix C – Marine Tourism – Major cultural attractions – Music, Festivals & Events – Other Facilities Think – Ferries B. Food Production Socio-Economic Analysis – Aquaculture – Food and Drink Processing & Products – Agriculture, Fisheries & Forestry C. Young People & Education – Schools – Further & Higher Education – Jobs Post Further & Higher Education D. Other Areas of Opportunity – Construction – Small businesses Barriers – Mobile & Broadband Connectivity – Affordable Housing – Transport: Roads & Ferries & Fixed Links Dunoon: Issues & Opportunities

2. Argyll & Bute Community Plan & Single Outcome Agreement 2013- 2023 Six Long term outcomes: • The economy is diverse & thriving • Infrastructure that supports sustainable growth. • Education, skills & training maximises opportunities for all • Children & young people have the best possible start • People live active, healthier & independent lives • People live in safer & stronger communities

3. Bute & Cowal Economic Development Action Plan: 2016-21 Investment in infrastructure - physical/capital projects: • Refurbishment of Queen’s Hall & public realm works in Dunoon. • £1.9m CARS/HES/ABC with funding from owners. • Carnegie UK Trust shared learning Cowal: investment in key sectors & business support : • Documentary & film production in Cowal and 7 productions already • Entrepreneurship Cowal: investment in communities: development of Dunoon Community Sports Centre. Cowal: investment in people: • Principal contractors on physical works provide programme of placements • Food for Thought Project: Kirn Primary & Dunoon Grammar: local businesses food trail Internationalisation – promotion & marketing of Cowal • Joined up marketing local events: Dunoon BID (Dunoon Presents) 3.5 years into 5 year plan

192 193 4. Argyll and Bute Local Development Plan: Adopted March 2015: Dunoon Dunoon Economic Policy & Community Planning & Context

Settlement and Spatial Strategy • Main Town & Key Settlement 6. Dunoon Community Council Strategic Plan Housing Allocations & Units (25 % affordable) 2016 • Pilot Street 17 • Town Centre Regeneration • Historical: Castle Lodge • Gordon Street 100 Exploring an ‘Alliance for • Kilbride Quarry North 44 • Attractions & Events • Kilbride Quarry South 32 Action’ for Dunoon • Bullwood 10 6 Potential Development Areas 7. SURF Alliance for Action: Feasibility Study (Aug 2016) Towards A Shared Vision: Dunoon • Oversupply of allocated sites v demand Defining: place mending • LDP 2: Call for Sites • Area for Action: Town Centre/Waterfront/West • Distinctive: residents & visitors Bay • Developing: enterprise & innovation • Strategic; regeneration & environmental enhancement • Dynamic Dunoon: engagement & inclusive community KPT: Protecting, Conserving & Enhancing A SURF Feasibility Study for

Outstanding Environment: Conservation Area Highlands & Islands Enterprise KPT: Economy Renewables Town Centres & Retailing 8. Dunoon Regeneration Party KPT: Strengthening Our Communities • Rose Gardens - Setting Layout & Design • Crazy Golf: West Bay KPT: Maximising Our Resources & Reducing • Jingle Bus Consumption KPT: Improving our Connectivity & Infrastructure

5. Local Housing Strategy 2016-2021

Housing system contributing:

– thriving sustainable communities – economic growth

Four priorities/outcomes:

– affordable housing across all tenures: improved town centres – personalised housing options to meet need – live independently in own homes – communities regenerated: quality, condition, energy: town centres stock

Cowal HMA: exhibits nil need across HNDA scenarios • Population decline but unmet need & long waiting lists • Capacity of local construction sector • Little or no interest/competition: external/ national developers

194 195 DataShine Scotland Commute: Dunoon(2011 Census) Dunoon: Town Centre Review Opportunities

• Red: leaving Blue: arriving ome Work Number Achievements Opportunities Dunoon Dunoon 686 Hunter's Quay Dunoon 584 • Consolidate/build on improvements & Dunoon Hunter's Quay 417 • Burgh Halls: £1.9M Mainly work Dunoon 267 investment at/from home • Queens Hall & Public Realm: £8.8m+ Dunoon No fixed place 188 • CARS: integrate: specific eligibility Dunoon Cowal North 154 • Wooden Pier: £2.3m Cowal South Dunoon 133 criteria & outcomes Cowal North Dunoon 96 • CARS: £1.9m with owners contributions Dunoon Cowal South 42  2-4 Ferry Brae Town Dunoon Centre and East 33 • Dunoon Primary: Part new/refurb:£8.7m Central  65-67 Argyll Street Greenock West Dunoon 19 • Kirn Primary New and Central  81-87 Argyll Street City Centre Dunoon 16 • PA23: Dunoon Presents BID South  165-171 Argyll Street Dunoon City Centre East 11 Dunoon Garelochhead 11  Upskill local craftspeople Oban South Dunoon 10 Rothesay Town Dunoon 10  Education & awareness Dunoon Oban South 10 Inverkip and Dunoon 8 • Integration: critical mass: sum of parts: Dunoon Paisley North 8 momentum Dunoon Campbeltown 8 Dunoon England 8 • Tourism & visitor economy West Braeside, East Inverkip Dunoon 7 and West • Digital connectivity Gourock Kintyre Trail Dunoon 7 • More pedestrian friendly: accessibility &

Dunoon City Centre West 7 transport

Lower Bow and • Vision: town centre masterplan & action Larkfield, Fancy Dunoon 6 Farm, Mallard plan Bowl Offshore Dunoon 6 installation • Single neutral coordinating group/forum: Lomond Shore Dunoon 6 leadership Garelochhead Dunoon 6 Gourock East, Dunoon Greenock West 6 and Lyle Road Gourock Upper and West Central Dunoon 6 and Upper Larkfield Dunoon: Initial Socio Economic Overview: Conclusions Dunoon Town Centre: Future Economic Drivers To Test

- Pop. decline below average: not actual • Understand Dunoon’s primary functions decline now & in the future: ‘island’: wider role Cowal/ ‘gateway’ to LLTNP/A&B: visitor - Young people returning: low score economy. - Partial 4 G coverage - Proximity to Glasgow metro. area & + • Move TC away from a reliance upon retail: broader mix of commercial & - High: level of unemployment & benefit employment uses, culture, community claimant rate services & residential. - TC: low footfall levels: substantial depletion of visitors: loss of coaches • Even more of an accessible social destination: public, commercial & - but Yorkshire BS & Clydesdale B closing social functions overlap: visitor economy. + Argyll Street: 75 shops: low vacancies • Enterprise/entrepreneurship, business + Good mix of well-established incubation, creativity, culture, arts/music: authentic/niche independents authentic visitor/evening economy & + Growing technology & other businesses appeal to young working age. + Expanded customer services centre • Focus on community, health, well + Iconic pier being & social justice: access to + Industrial park: Sandbank services: tackling disadvantage: prevention & early intervention + Restored Burgh Hall & Queens Hall + Ardyne Fish Processing Centre: SSC

196 197 Destination Dunoon: Visitor Economy Dunoon Presents BID

• USP & Town Centre Role? • Outdoor events are very successful in putting – ‘gateway’ to LLTNP/A&B Dunoon on the map: • Growth markets • Authentic experiences: – Ultra Marathon – activities land/marine & nature – Scottish X Country MTB – heritage & culture – Scottish Endura MTB – events/festivals: Film, Revival Big – Dunoon Triathlon Weekender, Cowalfest/walking – Argyll/Scottish Rally Championship – business – Cowal Games

Accommodation Opportunities • Participants don’t stay overnight or use town – budget hotel: conference & events centre: limited economic impact • Queens Hall: 700 capacity • BID does not organise events in town centre: conference facility TC support for a 2nd BID ? – niche: quality B&B: bunk house/bothy & glamping – self-catering important in Cowal Loch Lomond & The – Glenmorag, Park & Royal Marine: Trossachs National Park coaches Authority • Food/drink: local sourcing/provenance • encourage visitors to explore more of what • Skills Park has to offer • Marketing • ensure a consistent world class experience • ‘New expectations created : value, across destination service, entertainment & experience’ • reduce the impact of visitor pressures

Dunoon: Business Interviews (7) Dunoon: Emerging Business Issues

• 4/7 businesses were established over 15 years ago • Momentum from new investment: opportunities • 4/7 say that more than 60% of their custom is from regulars • Rental levels & yields below the level • 4 businesses stated that turnover/transaction had increased likely to attract investment: viability • 3 said turnover/transactions had reduced. One by 25%. • Oversupply of allocated housing sites v • 6/7 intend to grow their business demand • businesses highlighted the challenge/hard work & marginal profitability • Little or no interest/competition: external/ national developers • 2/7 interested in 1-1 Advice: ‘Shop Doctor’ • Accommodation: sites & buildings: new • 4/7 interested in marketing & networking with other businesses demand: ‘ladder’ • 4/7 support principle of retail/makers incubator space – Co-working & makers spaces – Yard/lock up: construction Reasons cited for the reduction in turnover/issues: • HIE Sandbank Business Park: 5 units Inward investment & indigenous • Seasonal nature of business • Promoting enterprise & • Loss of the ‘town centre to town centre’ car ferry entrepreneurship: TestTown • Fewer coaches • Social enterprise & third sector opportunities: Vital Spark • Shopping trends have changed – social enterprise solutions for • Tourist traffic reduced: fewer reasons to visit Dunoon as destination community challenges • Limited marketing of Dunoon outside the area & in rest of UK. • Better management of parking required • ‘New expectations created: value, • Perception is a real barrier: tendency to ‘do Dunoon down’ service, entertainment & experience’

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Dunoon

ReF Name / Site Existing Masterplan / Charrette Justification / Additional Comments Priority Situation Outcome Proposal DUN1 Wayfinding Wayfinding for Audit and review existing Route for pedestrians from ferry terminal to town centre High Town-wide pedestrians and pedestrian and cyclist signs could be improved and clarified. Existing pedestrian and cyclists lacking and consider additional cyclist signs in and around the town centre could be in some key locations. rationalised (e.g. two different types – blue and white signs areas (e.g. ferry and black and gold ones. Walking times could be added as Appendix D terminal) more easily understood than distances) DUN1A Linkage between ‘Welcome to Recognise works ongoing at Review additional works required to determine physical High ferry and town Dunoon’ Queens Hall which will interventions. Develop business case for physical unclear. create alterations in the interventions. area. Think DUN2 Environment of Street furniture Audit and review of existing Environment could do with being freshened and e.g. tactile High Argyll Street etc. hinders accessibility – should paving provided to aid partially sighted. Problems with ferry movement and incorporate accessibility at accessibility identified during event. Transport items lacking for Ferry terminals (Dunoon and e.g. partially Gourock). sighted

DUN3 Reintroduction of Passenger ferry Note Should ferry carry vehicles again in the future, northbound High Car Ferry serves town through traffic could be encouraged by use of signage to pass through town centre (NB this would not be possible with pedestrianisation which was mentioned by a minority of event attendees). DUN4 Cycle parking Little cycle Review existing locations for Basic cycle parking facilities at ferry terminal. Little cycle High Town-wide parking cycle parking in key areas parking in town centre. Consider opportunities to improve (e.g. ferry terminal and and expand cycle parking in and around the town. Argyll Street) and consider additional locations and improvements to existing facilities

Dunoon

Reference Name / Existing Masterplan / Charrette Justification / Additional Comments Priority Site Situation Outcome Proposal DUN5 Town- Uncoordinated Develop ‘cycle economy’ Dunoon forms part of NCN route 75. Opportunity to Medium wide initiatives capitalise on cycle tourism. Develop cycle hub at ferry terminal. DUN6 Bus stops Poor ambience Consider improvement to Waiting environment poor and information could be Medium at Ferry and stop for waiting environment and improved. terminal services to reordering of stops Glasgow nearest to ferry DUN7 Bus stops No obvious hub Consider improvements to No obvious central point for catching bus services, finding Medium within for services infrastructure (e.g. higher- out bus information and transferring between services. town quality shelters) to form hub for bus services. DUN8 Review of Loading Review existing restrictions Current restriction on Argyll Street is: no parking High parking restrictions and consult on changes. (‘waiting’) Monday to Saturday 0930 – 1600. Loading is restrictio unnecessarily Consider taxi rank. permitted during these times, but during 0930 – 1030 ns (and complex. loading is permitted by goods vehicles only. There may be associate a case for this being simplified by allowing free parking in d signs) town on street for – say – 30 mins with no return in 60 on Argyll mins or similar Street and environs

Existing Signage 200 201

There is also a mix of sign types with black and gold signs and blue and white ones. This leads to a cluttered feeling and could usefully be reviewed and rationalised. One of the key pedestrian routes in Dunoon is that between the ferry terminal and the town centre. More could be done to make this route inviting for pedestrians and hence direct activity towards the town centre. This could include better signage to direct pedestrians to the town centre and to other destinations of interest (such as the Tourist Information centre). The signage could also have walking times on it, to demonstrate to pedestrians how close the town centre is.

Mix of sign types

Nearest pedestrian signage to the ferry terminal – hidden behind the café.

Sign directing cyclists wrong way on Argyll Street

The street furniture in Argyll Street could do with being updated and tactile paving added at the crossing points. Also the guardrail and difference in level between the footway and the adjoining carriageway restrict pedestrians’ ability to cross the road. Map showing information about Dunoon hidden from view on Kirk Brae

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National Cycle Network Route 75 passes through Dunoon, which provides an opportunity to capitalise on cycle-related tourism. There are only basic cycle parking facilities at ferry terminal (four uncovered hoops) and little cycle parking in the town centre. Opportunities should be explored to provide additional cycle parking at convenient locations in the town centre.

Lack of tactile paving at crossing points

The current parking restrictions on Argyll Street are not immediately intuitive and may be overly restrictive. The restriction currently prohibits parking (‘waiting’) on Monday to Saturday from 0930 to 1600. Loading is permitted during these times, but from 0930 to 1030 loading is permitted by goods vehicles only. There may be a case for this being simplified by allowing free parking in town on street for – say – 30 mins with no return in 60 mins or similar.

Example of cycling event.

The waiting environment at the ferry terminal is poor and the layout of the bus stands could be reconsidered. For example, the bus stand nearest to the ferry is for the bus back to Glasgow. Information on bus services at the stops is patchy and could be improved (there is though extensive timetable information at the bus stops at Morrisons). There is no obvious ‘hub’ for changing between bus services, although the stops at Morrisons and on Argyll Street at the John Street junction would be an obvious location.

Waiting and loading restrictions on Argyll Street.

204 205 Appendix E Think Property

206 207 Appendix F Think Comments The ideas and issues that were raised during the pre- charrette engagement helped identifying a series of topics that were used to guide discussions throughout the Charrette process:

Think Community Think Building Think Open Space Think Getting Around Think Business/ Economy Think Tourism

The following comments are a record of the written submissions.

Existing Condition 208 209 210 211 212 213 214 215 216 217 218 219 220 221 222 223 224 225 226 227 228 229 Appendix G Think Pecha Kucha The pecha kucha presentation format was used at the Community Issues and Achievements talks that took place as part of the Think Dunoon Charrette pro-cess. It’s a flexible and energetic format, which we’ve used many times- it works well and generates great conversations!

The presentees are asked to present 10 slides, 20 seconds per slide. The total running time per presentation is approximately 3.5 minutes.

All the content from the presenters is gathered in advance and organised into one slideshow.

This quick fire format is a fun and innovative way to get to the heart of a project and the presentation style can be quite energising!

Existing Condition 230 231 Appendix H Think Think Dunoon Briefing Notes Dunoon Design Charrette Briefing Note 1: 28.02.17 Background Dunoon Town Centre is next to benefit from this Scottish Government sponsored approach for involving the community in planning and regeneration. This follows the enthusiastic participation of Argyll and Bute residents and businesses in Rothesay, Tiree and the Crinan Canal which resulted in collaborative masterplans being created for the three areas. So, the future of Dunoon Town Centre goes under the microscope in March as we ThinkDunoon!

Scottish Urban Regeneration Forum (SURF) and Argyll and Bute Council are co-hosting the charrette. Austin-Smith:Lord (Urban Designers and Architects) and Douglas Wheeler Associates Ltd (Economic Regeneration Specialists) have been appointed to facilitate the charrette, as part of a design team also including, WAVEparticle (artists/facilitators), Transport Planning Ltd and property consultants Ryden. The team bring with them their recent experience of delivering such events in Port Glasgow, Clydebank, Greenock, Elgin, Brechin, Arbroath, Montrose, Monifieth and Kirriemuir.

Opportunities to Have Your Say A charrette is an intensive consultation that includes planning workshops which engage local people in the design process for their community. The planning and design workshops will be held in a venue to be confirmed in Dunoon Town Centre over a three-day period running from Tuesday 28th of March to Thursday 30th of March with a final exhibition and a report back session at the same venue on 20th April.

The Charrette team will set up a Design Studio in the venue and host workshops and presentations with members of the public, community representatives, businesses, elected members and officers. The aim is to prepare a shared vision, regeneration strategy and masterplan for Dunoon Town Centre. The designers and specialist consultants will translate the participant’s ideas into plans and drawings which can be viewed in the Design Studio that will be open to the public at specific times over the three days.

Planning the future of Dunoon Town Centre requires ideas from everybody in the community - young, old, residents and businesses who know the town. This is not a consultation on an existing plan. The views of the community, at this early stage, will make a difference and play a key part in shaping the future of Dunoon Town Centre.

Think Dunoon @ThinkDunoon #ThinkDunoon

232 233 Andy Milne, SURF Chief Executive, said: Charrette Team & Next Steps In preparation for the March event and to finalise details, the Austin-Smith: “The charrettes programme has been successful in generating a great deal Lord/ Douglas Wheeler Associates team will be undertaking discussions and of local enthusiasm, as well as a pride in where people live and ambition for business interviews in Dunoon. In the two weeks, just before the charrette, the future wellbeing and vibrancy of their community. There are a number WAVEparticle an arts organisation, who specialise in developing and of examples around, the nearest one being last year’s Remaking Rothesay. delivering effective community engagement and treat engagement as an art form, will also be active locally. “I am sure the people and businesses of Dunoon will grasp this opportunity with equal enthusiasm. The charrette will offer lots of opportunities For further information contact: on different days for the public, local businesses and anyone else who is interested to get involved.” Brian MacDonald SURF - Scotland’s Regeneration Forum “The charrette will look to build on Dunoon’s many assets and strengths, Mobile: 07768253568 confront what challenges there are locally and grasp the opportunities that Email: [email protected] lie ahead in the short, medium and long term.” A more detailed programme is being prepared. Local people, of all ages, as well as representatives of local business, voluntary/community groups and Keep up to date via: other agencies are very welcome to come along, drop in, contribute and Twitter: https://twitter.com/ThinkDunoon help put your ideas into action. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThinkDunoon Aims & Objectives Padlet: https://padlet.com/charrette/ThinkDunoon The fundamental aim of the charrette process is to prepare a realistic, feasible and integrated regeneration strategy and masterplan, establishing the priorities for investment in improving the physical appearance, facilities, services and access to and around Dunoon Town Centre, with the full support of local residents, businesses and key stakeholders. The specific Dunoon Town Centre Charrette objectives are to:

• Build consensus around a shared vision for the Town Centre through design-led intensive community and stakeholder engagement;

• Review existing and identify new opportunities for regeneration, rehabilitation or development of sites/buildings;

• Prepare proposals for improving circulation within the Town Centre and movement between the town centre, the wooden pier and the Seafront/West bay through encouraging footfall, improving pedestrian circulation, managing car borne activity and improving the pedestrian experience;

• Identify opportunities and funding to deliver improvements to the physical appearance, public realm and shopfronts of the Town Centre;

• Improve the quality of the built environment in conjunction with the Conservation Area Regeneration Scheme investment and identify alternative uses for vacant shops and sites.

The proposed masterplan should identify the short, medium and long-term projects.

Think Dunoon @ThinkDunoon #ThinkDunoon Think Dunoon @ThinkDunoon #ThinkDunoon

234 235 Planning the future of Dunoon Town Centre requires ideas from everybody in the community - young, old, residents and businesses who know the town. Think This is not a consultation on an existing plan. The views of the community, at this early stage, will make a difference and play a key part in shaping the future of Dunoon Town Centre. Dunoon Engagement Before The Main Events In preparation discussions and survey work in Dunoon are being undertaken. A team from art organisation, WAVEparticle, will be out and about in Dunoon th th Dunoon Design Charrette this coming Friday 10 and Saturday 11 March. Everywhere they go they will bring a large 7m2 floor map of Dunoon. WAVEparticle will move through Briefing Note 2: 08.03.17 the town to speak directly to local people and invite their responses, Background thoughts and suggestions about the town - past, present and possible, as The future of Dunoon Town Centre goes under the microscope at the end of well as gather people’s experiences of living in Dunoon. All of which will March as we ThinkDunoon! inform and help to shape the vison and masterplan for the Town Centre in the years ahead. So look out for that! Dunoon Town Centre is next to benefit from this Scottish Government WAVEparticle is also delighted to be visiting Dunoon Grammar School on sponsored approach for involving the community in planning and regeneration. Friday afternoon, to run a creative workshop which will bring together This follows the enthusiastic participation of Argyll and Bute residents pupils from Dunoon Grammar and from Dunoon, Kirn, St. Muns and Sandbank and businesses in Rothesay, Tiree and the Crinan Canal which resulted in primaries. Using the big floor map, along with a Postcard From The Future collaborative masterplans being created for the three areas. Scottish Urban (see below). The Postcard asks pupils to transport themselves 10 years into Regeneration Forum (SURF) and Argyll and Bute Council are co-hosting the the the future and write a postcard to their earlier self, describing the future ThinkDunoon charrette. Dunoon - the workshop will encourage young people to invest in the future of their town and make sure their voices are represented. The schools’ ThinkDunoon will look to build on the new investment at the Burgh Hall, material will be display at the ThinkDunoon charrette. Queen’s Hall, The Wooden Pier and the recently announced Conservation Area Regeneration Scheme.

Dunoon Dùn Omhain

Opportunities to Have Your Say POSTCARD FROM THE FUTURE A charrette is an intensive consultation that includes planning workshops Imagine how Dunoon will look in 2027 which engage local people in the design process for their community. The planning and design workshops will be held in the newly refurbished Wooden Pier Building on the Pier Esplanade over a three-day period running from Tuesday 28th of March to Thursday 30th of March, with a final exhibition in and a report back session at the same venue on 20th April.

This will be where the design team will be working to discuss issues, progress ideas and review options. Over the four days the public, designers and specialists will be working together, ‘hands on’, to prepare a long-term community inspired vision, masterplan and action plan for Dunoon Town Centre, with the ideas translated into plans and drawings.

The charrette offers a number of opportunities on different days for the public, local business, community groups and interested parties to get involved and have their say about the future of Dunoon Town Centre. You can choose the event that suits you. You can also drop by the Design Studio between the times identified in the Programme, over the four days, to see the ideas that are emerging. Design Team members will always be available to encourage feedback on and refine community inspired proposals. The programme is summarised below, so come along you will be made welcome! How do you imagine the town will have changed? What changes would you like to see? Send yourself this postcard from the future, using drawings & words to describe the changes you see in Dunoon 2027.

Think Dunoon @ThinkDunoon #ThinkDunoon Think Dunoon @ThinkDunoon #ThinkDunoon

236 237 ThinkDunoon: Programme Andy Milne, SURF Chief Executive, said:

The charrette offers a number of opportunities for YOU, the public to get “I’d encourage the general public to join in the workshops with the involved and have your say. All the workshops are open with no need to design team in the Wooden Pier Building. It’s important to have register in advance. The timetable has just been finalised and is summarised as many people as possible across the age groups, irrespective of below. Check out the programme and come along and give us your views. background or experience, to contribute to the future of Dunoon town centre”. Tuesday 28 March – Setting the Agenda “ThinkDunoon will look to build Dunoon’s many assets and strengths, including 11.00am - 12.30pm Traffic & Transport: Walkabout & Workshop the new investment, confront what challenges there are locally and grasp Opportunity for agencies, Council officers and community the opportunities that lie ahead in the short, medium and long term. representatives to take part in a walk and group discussions on the transport challenges and opportunities. “I hope everyone in the wider Dunoon community can play a part in 12.30pm – 8.30pm Drop-in Design Studio ThinkDunoon.” Drop-in to the Design Studio to discuss your ideas for Dunoon 1.30pm – 3.30pm School Workshop - Setting the Agenda With school students/young people and material from the pre- For further information contact: charrette activities. 6.00pm – 7.30pm Community Issues & Achievements Presentations Brian MacDonald Short presentations from agencies, businesses, community groups SURF - Scotland’s Regeneration Forum and individuals discussing their role, thoughts and activities. Mobile: 07768253568 7.30pm – 9.00pm Setting the Agenda Workshop Email: [email protected] Opportunity for everyone to view the initial exhibition, find out more about the events, help shape the agenda Keep up to date via: Wednesday 29 March – Gathering Ideas Twitter: https://twitter.com/ThinkDunoon 10.00am – 8.30pm Drop-in Design Studio Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThinkDunoon Drop-in to the Design Studio to discuss your ideas for Dunoon Padlet: https://padlet.com/charrette/ThinkDunoon 10.30am – 11.30am Tourism Workshop Opportunity for key stakeholders, businesses and individuals to take part in group discussions on the emerging tourism themes, or via Twitter @ThinkDunoon or #ThinkDunoon where you can also be kept challenges, ideas and the way forward. up to date. 2.00pm – 3.30pm Futurewalk Walk & Talk Tour of Dunoon Town Centre with local historian, the public and interested parties. 4.00pm – 5.30pm Youth Workshop Opportunity for everyone with an interest in youth provisions to take part in group discussions on the emerging themes, challenges, ideas and the way forward. 6.30pm – 8.30pm Business Workshop Opportunity for local businesses to take part in discussions on the emerging business themes, challenges, ideas and the way forward. Thursday 30 March – Testing Ideas

10.00am – 1.00pm Drop-in Design Studio Drop-in to the Design Studio to discuss your ideas for Dunoon 4.30pm – 7.00pm Drop-in Design Studio Drop-in to the Design Studio to discuss your ideas for Dunoon 7.00pm – 8.30pm Work in Progress Presentation Opportunity for everyone to view how the exhibition has progressed, comment and ask questions. Thursday 20 April – Report Back

2.00pm – 4.00pm Emerging Ideas Presentation 6.30pm – 8.30pm Emerging Ideas Presentation

Think Dunoon @ThinkDunoon #ThinkDunoon Think Dunoon @ThinkDunoon #ThinkDunoon

238 239 Think Dunoon

Dunoon Design Charrette Briefing Note 3: 22.03.17 Background The ThinkDunoon events begin in earnest in Dunoon next week on Tuesday 28 March, as the initiative seeks to draw on local ideas and inspiration to shape the town centre’s future. The packed programme of events will discuss, debate and design the future of Dunoon Town Centre. Through the events designers, architects and other specialists will gather opinions, wants and wishes, to help distil a clear vision of what local people want for Dunoon Town Centre.

Opportunities To have Your Say The events will be hosted and ThinkDunoon team will be based at the newly Over the two days, the WAVEparticle team also walked the town with the refurbished Wooden Pier Building on the Pier Esplanade over the three-days large vinyl map, meeting and interviewing townsfolk, and letting everyone from Tuesday 28th of March to Thursday 30th of March, with a final exhibition they met know about, and invited them to, the ThinkDunoon events. in and a report back session at the same venue on 20th April. As well as a place to develop and work on ideas and options, the ThinkDunoon base will serve as The places they visited amongst others included Morrisons, where they a drop-in centre. So pop by during the four-days, you will be made welcome! engaged shoppers and passers-by in conversation around the large floormap. The team wants all members of the community, as well as local businesses, Martin, the Manager of Morrisons, told them about a planned initiative to public sector partners and other interested parties to get involved. It is an support local produce, and young David the bag packing bag piper, said he opportunity to have your say. would ask the band to pipe at the ThinkDunoon! The team also visited the local independent cinema, where Ben & Grant showed them around and See the full programme of events attached. discussed how the cinema is a significant hub in the town. Let’s not forget the visits to Gibson Electrical, which is home to one of the largest collections Pre-Events Activity in Dunoon of Scottish music and to T J Sharp the local jewellers, with the young couple As part of the preparation the team from arts organisation WAVEparticle who were making a special visit to Dunoon to have their wedding rings made. arrived in Dunoon on Friday 10th March, and spent two days in the town, speaking to people directly and inviting their thoughts and suggestions about They also spent a great hour with Ann Black Campbell at Dunoon Burgh Hall the town, past, present and possible. Although the weather was a little Trust and heard about the exciting plans for the re-development and imminent dreich, they received a very warm welcome from all the people they met. re-opening of the Dunoon Burgh Hall and how local people are very much looking forward to it. Their first stop was Dunoon Grammar, where Head Teacher, David Mitchell, had kindly agreed to host a creative collective schools workshop, which included The observations, suggestions and ideas that were offered by local people S1 pupils from Dunoon Grammar, along with pupils from Dunoon, Kirn, St. ranged from local businessman Andy pointing out the need for a Cowal & Mun’s and Sandbank Primary Schools. Dunoon Business Directory, as the last one was printed in 1999, to a plan from Camilla, a local rambler, to gather walkers together and plot their favourite With the aid of a large vinyl map of Dunoon and its environs, gold stars and routes & walks in and around Dunoon on a map and create a downloadable red dots, and a Postcard From The Future, the pupils were encouraged to PDF. think about the future of Dunoon. There were 30 pupils in total, with ages ranging from ten to fourteen years old, which made for a great dynamic in Peter McCaughey, Lead Artist and Director of WAVEparticle said, “Dunoon is the workshop, with the younger children reminding everyone of how to draw a beautiful part of the world and the response from the people that we met on your imagination! The pupils work will be on display at the ThinkDunoon events. Think Dunoon @ThinkDunoon #ThinkDunoon Think Dunoon @ThinkDunoon #ThinkDunoon

240 241 over our two days in Dunoon has been terrific. There will be a short film to Think reflect this early stage, which will be screened as part of the ThinkDunoon launch event on the 28th March. Everyone is very welcome to come along”.

For further information contact: Brian MacDonald SURF - Scotland’s Regeneration Forum Dunoon Mobile: 07768253568 Email: [email protected] An invitation to events Twitter: https://twitter.com/ThinkDunoon Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThinkDunoon to discuss, debate and Padlet: https://padlet.com/charrette/ThinkDunoon design the future of or via Twitter @ThinkDunoon or #ThinkDunoon where you can also be kept up to date. Dunoon Town Centre

Come and share your ideas!

28th-29th-30th March 20th April

Get in touch

@ThinkDunoon #ThinkDunoon

ThinkDunoon The Wooden Pier Think Dunoon @ThinkDunoon #ThinkDunoon Pier Esplanade www.padlet.com/charrette/ThinkDunoon Dunoon PA23 7HJ

242 243 Think Dunoon Appendix I An invitation to events to discuss, debate and Think design the future of Dunoon Town Centre Art Strategy Tuesday 28 March – Setting the Agenda We would recommend that an art strategy is We would also strongly recommend that the Pecha commissioned to consolidate the charrette outcomes, Kucha format initiated during the charrette be supported 11.00am - 12.30pm Traffic & Transport: Walkabout & Workshop to identify potential funding, frame choice of locations as a once-per-month event at the Pier, and that this Opportunity for agencies, Council officers and community for art and light works, to take subject matter and give it works with the Alliance For Action events, facilitating representatives to take part in a walk and group discussions form and to embed a forum that continues creative exchange and active on the transport challenges and opportunities. ongoing consultation in revitalising the town through this networking within the town. 12.30pm – 8.30pm Drop-in Design Studio process. Drop-in to the Design Studio to discuss your ideas for Dunoon We asked Stephen Hurrel to join the WAVEparticle team 1.30pm – 3.30pm School Workshop - Setting the Agenda Two strong themes have been identified through the for this Charrette. Stephen is an artist of international With school students/young people and material from the pre- Think Dunoon Charrette that could become corner reputation who is born and bred in Dunoon. Our choice charrette activities. stones of this strategy: The Lighting of Dunoon and the was fortuitous on a number of levels which include the 6.00pm – 7.30pm Community Issues & Achievements Presentations Outdoor Museum/Art Trail concept, both are articulated fact that a principle focus of local feedback and Design Short presentations from agencies, businesses, community groups below. Team analysis was on lighting Dunoon and this is an and individuals discussing their role, thoughts and activities. area of Stephen’s expertise - the building of light-based artworks. We asked Stephen to write a few paragraphs 7.30pm – 9.00pm Setting the Agenda Workshop The art strategy will help frame the identity of the town for this report which follow and have included some Opportunity for everyone to view the initial exhibition, find out more going forward and potentially lead other longer term, higher budget inspiring images of Kinetic light works and other about the events, help shape the agenda initiatives that have come to the fore during the Think artworks he has made: Wednesday 29 March – Gathering Ideas Dunoon Charrette.

10.00am – 8.30pm Drop-in Design Studio Drop-in to the Design Studio to discuss your ideas for Dunoon 10.30am – 11.30am Tourism Workshop Opportunity for key stakeholders, businesses and individuals to take part in group discussions on the emerging tourism themes, challenges, ideas and the way forward. 2.00pm – 3.30pm Futurewalk Walk & Talk Tour of Dunoon Town Centre with local historian, the public and interested parties. 4.00pm – 5.30pm Youth Workshop Opportunity for everyone with an interest in youth provisions to take part in group discussions on the emerging themes, challenges, ideas and the way forward. 6.30pm – 8.30pm Business Workshop Opportunity for local businesses to take part in discussions on the emerging business themes, challenges, ideas and the way forward. Thursday 30 March – Testing Ideas

10.00am – 1.00pm Drop-in Design Studio Drop-in to the Design Studio to discuss your ideas for Dunoon 4.30pm – 7.00pm Drop-in Design Studio Drop-in to the Design Studio to discuss your ideas for Dunoon 7.00pm – 8.30pm Work in Progress Presentation Opportunity for everyone to view how the exhibition has progressed, comment and ask questions. Thursday 20 April – Report Back

2.00pm – 4.00pm Emerging Ideas Presentation 6.30pm – 8.30pm Emerging Ideas Presentation

Art & Living: Laurieston Art Strategy 244 245 Think Think Lighting Outdoor Museum The evening illumination of Dunoon and its many And this proposal could form one corner of the brief and We would note that Dunoon’s context begs a more attributes, such as its architecture, monuments, public the light works a second aspect. dispersed approach, both in terms of a linear trail along sculptures and public spaces, is an important the Promenade along with a site-specific trail throughout aspect of bringing life to the town, when daylight falls. As part of their planning conditions for their work in the town that the Think Dunoon Charrette’s Future Walk Dunoon Town Centre, Fyne Homes Housing Association suggested to the team. Two favourite examples from Additionally, introducing new lighting features at key had to reproduce motifs from the seats on Argyll Street this site-specific trail are The Policeman’s Watch and points in the town and the promenade will help to and install them on the wall fronting their new build The Drying Green (see images attached) but many other activate Dunoon at night. This could take the form of on Argyll Street. John Stirling, from the Castle House opportunities from charrette conversations come to high impact sculptural light works at key locations, Museum, advised on the translation of the five ‘clues’ mind. as well as installations that are both functional and to five symbolic moments within the town’s history. decorative. These take the form of low relief or 2-dimensional representations of objects like the printing press, a rifle With the massive technological leaps in light systems and a noose, (see images). in recent years, such as long-lasting, low consumption LED lighting and colour-change systems, as well as We propose that the town build on this initiative and on developments in renewable energy systems (i.e. small- the rich treasure buried in the Castle House Museum that scale wind turbines and solar panels) there is great John Stirling and others manage. We cite the example potential to harness both technology and nature for of Helensburgh’s award-winning Outdoor Museum that lighting Dunoon. we imagined, curated and produced for the town as part of Argyll & Bute Council’s Helensbugh CHORD project, in Along the promenade in Dunoon, from the Pier to about partnership with the Lead Architects Austin-Smith:Lord John Street, (just past the swimming pool), coloured light bulbs use to hang between the lamp posts. This The Outdoor Museum took advantage of the fact that simple installation, that could be seen reflected in the over 100 bollards were being placed around Colquhoun sea as the promenade curved around to meet the Coal Square. WAVEparticle worked with Austin-Smith: Lord to Pier, provided a welcome introduction of light and colour. redesign these bollards so that they could be turned into These have obviously been removed due to factors such plinths. as maintenance and repair costs. The reintroduction of a similar colour lighting system, using contemporary The Outdoor Museum proudly displays a collection of materials and technologies, could now be achieved with treasured objects brought forward by local residents low maintenance required. and organisations in the town. These permanent exhibits include a series of historic artefacts encapsulated in acrylic; bronze and stone reproductions of original Additionally, as achieved in previous light artworks I have artefacts; and three specially commissioned artworks by produced, there is the potential to include interactive artists Lesley Carruthers, Kate Ive and Chris Coleman- technology that would allow the lighting to change in Smith. Each object has its own plinth and carries a relation to, for example, wind speed and wind direction. combination of text and image that place the exhibit in a historical, cultural and geographic context. Each plinth has a QR code that connects the viewer to the Outdoor Museum website.

The idea for the Outdoor Museum was evolved in close consultation with the local Helensburgh community and many people were involved in the generation of the content for the first 15 plinths. The plinths display text and objects that celebrate the rich history and heritage of the town from the Lily Springs bottling plant to John Logie Baird’s strange puppet, Stookie Bill; from the craft of the town’s first shoemaker to the social history of a family heirloom used for shaping butter; from a casting of the bell from Henry Bell’s famous Comet, to the re- carving of the only remaining part of St. Brides Church. The Museum is a live on going project and funding has just been secured to procure the next 10 plinths.

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