PROGRESS on key regeneration projects has been welcomed.

Riverside Inverclyde is to submit a planning application is to be submitted as part of the £4.7 million investment in the Gourock Pier and Railhead area. This will include a new one-way system for Kempock Street and parking to enhance the centre of the town for local people, businesses, shoppers and visitors.

Following consultation with local traders’ groups and the community council it was agreed to include additional parking – a total of 152 extra spaces – and street lighting at key locations.

Inverclyde Council Leader Councillor Stephen McCabe said: "This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity for Gourock and I am delighted plans are progressing so well. Advance works to create 47 additional car parking spaces has already been completed and detailed plans are now ready to be considered for planning approval. This project will transform the centre of the town and I am also pleased we have been able to address the views of local people and traders.”

Work is set to get underway to refurbish the historic 19th century Custom House on Greenock’s waterfront. A lift will be installed, heating and ventilation renewed and windows renovated. The £1.5 million project is to ensure the iconic building remains fully occupied and in long term use and will also create four local jobs as part of Riverside Inverclyde’s targeted training and recruitment programme. The first phase of the work will provide office space while discussions are underway to progress a second phase for a community-based facility.

The second phase of development on the Riverside Business Park in Greenock is underway with the construction of £3.4 million offices. Existing tenants from the Clydeview development on the site have already expressed an interest in moving to take up more space than they currently have and it is hoped other businesses will decide to relocate in the new building. An additional four local jobs have also been created.

Councillor McCabe added: "I am also particularly pleased to see plans for improvements to welcome the tens of thousands of cruise liner passengers who visit Greenock and Inverclyde every year. The proposals will create a direct and safe pedestrian route from the quayside to the town centre and the many attractions we have in Greenock such as the McLean Museum. The work will also see shop frontages and the general appearance of the Grey Place and West Blackhall Street improved.”

Bill Nicol, chief executive of Riverside Inverclyde said: "I am delighted that we are progressing with the implementation of our project portfolio across Inverclyde. We are investing some £10.6million on employment and infrastructural projects in 2012. The projects at Grey Place, Custom House, Clyde View Phase 2 and Gourock all send out a positive signal that the various local and national partners are working closely for the benefit of the Inverclyde.”

Riverside Inverclyde