Will they or won’t they?

NEXT week will be make or break for the Whitesands flood project as councillors decide whether to progress with the scheme, which now has a £68.6 million pricetag.

Ahead of the meeting on December 11, they have been provided with a Full Business Case, developed in line with HM Treasury guidance, which sets out the strategic, economic, management, commercial and financial cases.

They have also been given the project design, combining a major flood protection scheme with significant public realm improvements.

Officials admit that the costs have significantly risen from the estimated £37.5 million in 2023. This is due to inflation, as well as the development of the design.

But they stress there is now financial clarity around the project, which would revitalise the Greensands, Whitesands and Dock Park areas of Dumfries.

And they are adamant it is a key initiative to safeguard Dumfries from the River Nith flooding while revitalising the riverside area.

If elected members agree to go-ahead, then the council will invest another £8.7 million in the works on top of the £5 million they’ve already allocated. Their overall contribution will be for 20 per cent of the cost.

However, their input would unlock £54.9 million, or 80 per cent, in match-funding from the Scottish Government.

In addition, councillors will have to factor in the ongoing operational and maintenance costs of the proposed project – estimated at £76,500 per year – and the need for continued engagement with partners, businesses, organisations and other stakeholders as it progresses.

Councillor Katie Hagmann, convener of Dumfries and Galloway Council, said: “I welcome the opportunity for councillors to receive this important update and to have the opportunity to agree the next steps for the Whitesands Project, which has been developed following engagement with local partners, businesses, organisations and other stakeholders. I want to thank everyone who has offered their input.

“The decision that will be made at our meeting on 11 December is crucial. It will determine whether the project proceeds to the next stage, subject to funding and necessary consents and it will provide certainty to the community.”

If councillors do not approve the funding, there will be no access to Scottish Government funding, and the flood works will not proceed.

But, if agreement is reached then the contract must be awarded by March 31 and it’s expected that construction would begin in spring 2026, subject to Scottish Government approval and all necessary consents.

It would be delivered in phases to manage disruption – with completion expected in 2029.

The Full Business Case (with commercially sensitive information redacted) and the committee report are available to view on the council website, dumgal.gov.uk.