The council plans to relocate 500 staff currently based at Garshake to the offices at the site of the former Dumbarton Academy building in Church Street. The design will retain the A-listed facade of the historic building and construct new offices at the back.

To make way for the new development, the annexe behind the current façade and a section of the boundary wall are being demolished and the site cleared. The car park at the site will be closed from Monday, June 15, to allow work to commence.

Residents and businesses in the area are being contacted to advise them of the work which is expected to take four weeks.

Councillor Patrick McGlinchey, convener of Infrastructure, Regeneration, and Economic Development, said: “It’s fantastic to see our plans to regenerate Dumbarton town centre beginning to take shape. This is the first step towards creating new council offices in the town and restoring a landmark building. The demolition will last for just four weeks and will be taking place Monday to Friday during business hours to minimise the impact on neighbouring properties.” Councillor David McBride, vice-convener of Infrastructure, Regeneration and Economic Development, added: “ I am delighted the council has agreed to build the replacement for the Garshake offices in Dumbarton town centre.

“The plan will see a restoration of the old academy buildings facade that has lay in its derelict condition for so long. I genuinely had concerns that the facade could ever be utilised ever again. This ambitious plan will see a modern, flexible working council hub and community facilities in the heart of the town.

“I don’t think it can be understated that the council investment and promise to bring 500 staff to the town centre will assist any regeneration activity. Clearly the council can’t bring large scale regeneration on our own, it will however be a major boost for the local economy and perhaps encourage other developers to consider investment in Dumbarton town centre. This project I am sure will bring long term economic benefits for Dumbarton.” Thomas Rainey, councillor for Dumbarton, said: “The benefits will be reduced operating costs, improved public access and a positive impact on the town centre economy. In addition, the facade of the existing building will be preserved for posterity.

“I see all this as a welcome development for Dumbarton town centre.” However some councillors aren’t as optimistic, Councillor George Black told the Reporter: “I fear that the main beneficiary from this relocation will be the St James park retailers. Here’s hoping but I fear the worst.” The new office will cost approximately £16.4 million but the council say, will save £400,000 per year over the lifetime of the building compared to maintaining the current Garshake offices.

The local authority says the move to Dumbarton will also provide a catalyst for further regeneration activities in Dumbarton town centre.

Further works to prepare the site for development are scheduled to begin in late autumn.

The new building is expected to open in Spring 2017.

To find out more about the project visit the community consultation page on the Council’s web site at http://www.west-dunbarton.gov.uk/council/public-consultations/consultation