A NEW community green space at the former site of St Ninian’s Primary in Gourock has officially opened.
The regeneration project has been delivered by environmental charity Green Action Trust, in partnership with Inverclyde Council.
The project has transformed a vacant and derelict site, previously affected by poor ground conditions, littering and limited accessibility, into a welcoming, safe, high-quality green space for residents, school pupils, and community groups to enjoy.
The land beside Kirn Drive had been disused since the building was demolished in 2017 after St Ninian’s moved into new premises on an adjacent site.
Councillor Michael McCormick, Inverclyde Council’s convener of environment and regeneration, said: “This site is right at the heart of a vibrant community right next to St Ninian’s Primary, Coppermine Community Centre, and surrounded by housing, with Gourock Park and St Columba’s High also close by so it’s the perfect location to create a green space for the area.
“The greenspace will encourage outdoor learning, support wider community activities, and give local people somewhere they can escape to and reconnect with nature. It fits in perfectly with the council’s net zero ambitions and ongoing promotion and development of biodiversity.”
The work has addressed historic ground contamination, improved accessibility through earthworks and landscaping, and introduced new habitats, including a wetland area to support biodiversity and manage emerging surface water. Native tree planting and wildflower seeding have further enhanced the land.
The green space is already being used by local community groups, including pupils from St Ninian’s, who have played an active role in shaping the space by helping to sow a mix of wildflowers in late March this year.
A mural, created by Gourock-based artist Ida Henrich, has also been unveiled. It reflects the site’s heritage and natural environment, incorporating ideas and drawings developed through workshops with St Ninian’s School pupils. It also refers to the local war legend of the Gourock sea monster and native plants planted on the site.
