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As the Whitesands Project moves through its first phase of construction, activity continues to increase across the project area. Works are currently progressing at Greensands and Mill Green, with surveys, site investigations and preparatory works helping to pave the way for the construction of new flood protection infrastructure.
Alongside activity on site, important project milestones have been achieved, including the discharge of all planning conditions, and the opening of the Whitesands Project Information Centre. Community engagement remains a key part of the project, with regular updates, stakeholder meetings and new drop-in sessions helping to ensure residents, businesses and visitors stay informed as work progresses.
In this edition, you'll find the latest construction updates, information on access arrangements, details of upcoming community engagement opportunities and an overview of recent project milestones.
 Community Engagement Helps Shape Project Communications
The project team recently attended a community engagement event at the Whitesands Project Office, providing an opportunity for residents and businesses to discuss the Whitesands Project and raise questions about the planned works.
A wide range of topics were discussed during the event, including project design, access arrangements, traffic management, landscaping and flood protection measures. Residents and businesses expressed a strong interest in understanding how the project will affect the local area during construction and what the completed scheme will look like.
Many attendees highlighted the importance of clear and regular communication as the project progresses. Feedback received during the event reinforced the need for ongoing engagement, timely updates and opportunities for residents and businesses to discuss issues directly with the project team.
Questions were also raised about how flood protection measures, including floodgates, will operate in the future and how communities will be informed during flood events. The project team is working with partners to ensure clear information is provided on operational arrangements and responsibilities as the scheme develops.
Feedback from the event is helping to shape future communications and engagement activity. In response, the project team is continuing to develop information on design proposals, traffic management arrangements, floodgate operations, parking, public facilities and access during construction.
To support ongoing engagement, the Whitesands Project Information Centre has been established, alongside a programme of regular updates through newsletters, stakeholder meetings and digital communications. These measures will help ensure residents, businesses and visitors remain informed as work progresses.
The project team would like to thank everyone who attended the engagement event and shared their views. Community feedback continues to play an important role in helping shape the delivery of the project and ensuring local concerns are understood and considered.
Nith Avenue and Gordon Street Engagement
The Whitesands Project Team will be holding a dedicated engagement session with residents and property owners in the Nith Avenue and Gordon Street area to discuss works associated with the Whitesands Flood Protection and Public Realm Improvements Scheme. Residents have been contacted directly with invitations to attend.
The session will provide an opportunity for those affected by the proposals to view information about the planned works, speak with members of the project team and ask any questions they may have.
The council remains committed to working closely with local residents and businesses as the project progresses and to ensuring that those directly affected have opportunities to help shape plans and understand how works may impact them.
Loreburn Bridge to Remain Open During Phase 1 Works
Following feedback from recent engagement activity and a review of construction plans, the Whitesands Project Team has identified a safe way to keep Loreburn Bridge open to all users, including disabled access, for the majority of the Greensands construction period.
Loreburn Bridge will now remain open during the majority of the works and is expected to require closure for a maximum of four weeks only in early 2027, rather than throughout the full construction period.
To support this revised approach, additional safety measures have been put in place, including protective barriers, segregated work areas and clear signage. Access arrangements will continue to be monitored throughout the works.
This change will significantly reduce disruption for users while allowing construction of the Whitesands Project to continue safely.
 What’s Happening on Site
Since the official project ground-breaking earlier this summer, a range of supporting activities have been taking place across the project area, including investigations and preparations to help ensure construction progresses safely and efficiently.
As part of the current phase of work, condition surveys have been carried out at nearby properties to establish a baseline record before construction begins and to help identify any site-specific requirements. The new access ramp has been created from the George Street car park to Greensands and piling works associated with flood wall construction are scheduled to begin at the end of August.
Access and travel
The Buccleuch Street Bridge underpass and Park Lane route to the town centre remain closed while flood wall construction takes place. Signed diversion routes are in place via Nith Avenue and Buccleuch Street Bridge, including access to the Whitesands bus stop. These measures are necessary to ensure the safety of both the public and construction teams while work is underway.
Landscaping and environmental improvements
To enable construction of the flood protection infrastructure, 19 trees have been removed from the project area. These will be replaced with 40 new semi-mature native trees, more than doubling the number affected by the works.
The replacement planting will include a mix of native species such as alder, silver birch and willow, helping to enhance biodiversity, support local wildlife and create a more resilient riverside environment. All works have been carried out in line with environmental requirements and have been supported by ecological surveys and inspections.
Once completed, the Greensands area will benefit from extensive landscaping and replanting, improved pedestrian links to Greensands, George Street and Nith Avenue, and retained and additional car parking spaces. These improvements will help create a greener, more attractive and accessible public space for residents and visitors.
Council Secures New Bazaar/Whitesands Car Park Site to Support Whitesands Project
A significant milestone has been achieved in the delivery of the Whitesands Project, with the council completing the purchase of the Bazaar/Whitesands Car Park site in Dumfries.
Bringing the site into council ownership will support the next stages of the project and help deliver the long-term vision for Whitesands and the River Nith. The wider project aims to reduce flood risk, improve public spaces, enhance access to the riverfront and create a more attractive and resilient town centre for residents, businesses and visitors.
The site acquisition will also provide the access and operational flexibility needed to progress construction activity, with access being made available to the appointed contractor from 12 August 2026.
Looking ahead
The project team will provide an update for councillors on progress, upcoming construction activity and next steps for the Whitesands Project at a meeting of the council's Economy and Infrastructure Committee in September. The report will give elected members an opportunity to review progress to date and will help keep residents, businesses and stakeholders informed as work continues across the project area.
Phase 1 Construction Stages at a Glance
Stage 1, Greensands (September 2026 to March 2027)
- Remove existing walls and prepare the site at Greensands.
- Construct flood walls and retaining walls.
- Install drainage, glass flood panels, flood gates and removable barriers.
- Complete testing of the flood protection system.
- Carry out resurfacing, hard landscaping and reinstatement works.
Stage 2 (June 2027 to October 2027)
- Remove existing walls and prepare the site at Nith Avenue.
- Construct flood walls and retaining walls at Nith Avenue.
- Reconstruct roads and footpaths.
- Create new parking bays.
- Install lighting, cycle facilities and street furniture.
- Refurbish existing benches and railings.
- Deliver landscaping, including new trees, hedges and wildflower planting.
- Complete final finishing works and open the improved public spaces.
The project continues to progress in line with programme milestones and remains a major investment in the future of Dumfries, helping to reduce flood risk while creating improved public spaces along the River Nith for residents, businesses and visitors.
Stay informed
Residents and stakeholders can find the latest project information through the project website or by contacting the project team directly. Weekly drop-in sessions will begin on Wednesday 19 August and continue every Wednesday between 10am and 2pm at the Project Information Centre, 64 Whitesands (former Tourist Information Centre).
Thank you for your continued support and engagement as we progress this important regeneration project.
Get in Touch
If you have any questions, please contact the project team on WhitesandsProject@dumgal.gov.uk.
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