PLANNING Department Back Oak Mall Downsizing And Flats Proposal

OFFICIALS are in favour of the Oak Mall’s plan to demolish a large part of the Greenock shopping centre and build apartments.

All the units to the east of those occupied by Sally Health and Beauty and Bargain Buys would be lost under the plan.

Two residential blocks, either side of a wide pedestrian link between Clyde Square, would be built, containing a total of 119 one and two-bedroom flats.

A new eastern entrance to the mall would be created just to the west of the A78 High Street.

The section of the mall involved has a high level of vacancies. Affected tenants would be offered space in remaining units.

The project would be phased and initially the residential sites would be grassed over until the flats were built.

Planners accept that “reduced but concentrated floorspace will present a more positive image of the vitality and viability of the Oak Mall”.

They are recommending that councillors on Inverclyde Planning Board approve the application when it calls at a future meeting.