Executive Summary - Argyll and Bute Council

Oban Action PlanOban Bay & HarbourThe assessment of Oban Bay and Harbour focussed on the lack of available berthage, appropriate management control,and the need for improvements to the pier facilities to meet user needs and address issues of management and safety.Discrete projects for fishing berthage, recreational yacht improvements, a cruise boat terminal and even modestimprovements to create additional berthage are under current public funding arrangements not fundable. The wayforward is either ‘do-nothing’ or seek to link/consolidate as many interests as possible into a single multi-partneredproject initiative that would be capable of unlocking new funidng.Developing the North Pier to incorporate the Oban Times Slipway could provide a small protected ‘harbour’ areaoffering seasonal managed pontoon moorings and a land extension suitable for limited development and including:Additional seasonal berthage to serve commercial/ fishing/ recreational and other uses on the external sea wall(approx 140-160metres)Additional protected berthage capable of meeting a range of differing needs within the harbour area managed toaddress differing seasonal needs.New pontoon mooring and tender access for cruise/ water-taxi and excursion boatsNew facilities/ shore access for visiting yachts on a limited and controlled basisPotential for a limited development offering an iconic waterfront development with mixed use activity includingcultural facilities, offices, leisure and café and town centre parking.Strengthening of the tourism/ leisure/ water and recreation node focussed on North Pier and the existingrestaurant and café facilities and tourism activity.Executive SummaryRecommendation 1: Argyll and Bute Council progress a detailed appraisal to consider options for the North Pier thatwould allow the provision of a protected mooring and extend berthage. Development optionsalso exist but may be constrained by planning.Recommendation 2: Argyll and Bute Council recognise that within the Action Plan period major investment will berequired to upgrade the Corran Halls, which with Council office re-organisation, creates anopportunity to address a wider Oban Bay and Town Centre Development initiative.Recommendation 3: Argyll and Bute Council with Caledonian MacBrayne Ltd and Northern Lighthouse Board addressthe formal harbour management of Oban Bay and commit to establishing a new Harbour bodywith joint control over piers and issues of berthing and marine safety.Recommendation 4: The potential opportunity associated with Oban Bay breakwaters should be recognised andsafeguarded with the caveat that committed external funding would be essential for this projectto progressed.ivIronsideFarrar