The £80.3 million programme continues to deliver substantial investment across every part of the region. While the latest projections indicate overall slippage of approximately £3.5 million this year – well within the £4 million contingency built into the revised capital plan – councillors will consider a series of measures to reprofile budgets and ensure continued momentum into 2026/27.
Major achievements highlighted in the report include the continued on‑site progress of the new Dumfries High School, now 85% complete and scheduled for handover in May 2026; the progression of the Dumfries Zero Waste Park, with new infrastructure, building foundations and system installations well underway; and the successful completion and handover of the new Regional Indoor Tennis Centre.
Significant progress has also been made in the region’s large‑scale regeneration and economic development projects. Work is continuing across the Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal, including the Stranraer Marina Expansion, Chapelcross development, and the Solway Coast and Marine Project (SCAMP) Marine Research Centre. Community‑led regeneration projects continue to benefit from the council’s Community Led Economic Regeneration Framework (CLERF) fund, which has already helped leverage over £21 million of external investment.
Public realm and roads programmes also remain active, with resurfacing, drainage, footway, structural and coastal protection works continuing across the region. Transport investment is moving forward with 20 new HGVs delivered, 28 new public EV chargers being installed, and progress on multimodal transport hubs, bus improvement schemes and cycling infrastructure.
Challenges within the programme – such as contractor delays, land access issues, specialist survey requirements, and impacts from inflation and supply chain constraints – are being mitigated through controlled re‑profiling of expenditure, revised schedules and ongoing engagement with partners including the UK and Scottish Governments, SEPA, NatureScot and national funding bodies.
Councillor Andy Ferguson, Chair of the committee, said:
“Despite the well‑known pressures affecting construction and capital delivery across the UK, our region continues to deliver an ambitious programme of investment that will strengthen our communities, schools, transport networks and economy for years to come.
“The progress achieved this quarter shows the commitment of our teams, partners and local organisations working together to keep these vital projects moving forward.”
Vice‑Chair of the Committee, Councillor Tony Berretti, added:
“This report demonstrates not only the scale of capital investment underway, but also the determination to overcome the challenges that inevitably arise in major projects. From large strategic projects like Whitesands and Chapelcross to community‑led regeneration and active travel improvements, we are building a stronger Dumfries and Galloway with tangible benefits for residents, businesses and visitors.”
The Quarter 3 report will be considered by the Economy and Infrastructure Committee on 3 February 2026. Read the report at: https://dumfriesgalloway.moderngov.co.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=624&MId=6490