INVERCLYDE Council say the Charles Anderson mural at Hector McNeil House was successfully removed as part of the Central Greenock project demolition work.
The artwork had featured on the front of the former Central Library at Clyde Square, Greenock, and consists of six individual panels, which were removed intact.
An Inverclyde Council spokesperson said: “The frieze, designed by Charles Anderson in 1970 out of fibreglass, is a popular local cultural asset and planning to retain the artwork has been considerable.
“The preserved artwork will now be safely stored until a future location is confirmed. Two further Charles Anderson murals from inside Hector McNeil House have already been successfully removed and stored.”
Workers had to first demolish the single storey part of the structure to allow safe access for machinery to inspect and remove the mural.
A spokesperson from the council’s contractor, Balfour Beatty, said: “As part of the Greenock Town Centre redevelopment works, Balfour Beatty is committed to ensuring that any existing artwork of cultural and community significance is treated with the utmost care and respect.
“The safe removal, protection and preservation of the Charles Anderson mural have been prioritised, recognising its importance as a community asset and its potential for future re‑use.
“This approach reflects our wider commitment to working collaboratively with Inverclyde Council and local stakeholders to protect local heritage and deliver long‑term social value alongside the physical transformation of Greenock Town Centre.”
The £24million Central Greenock project, led by Inverclyde Council and funded by the UK Government, also includes demolition of the eastern section of the Oak Mall shopping centre, Bullring Roundabout, and A78 flyover at High Street.
