BUSINESSES are being invited to have their say on proposed changes to West Blackhall Street, Greenock, aimed at improving parking and tackling obstruction.
Inverclyde Council has written directly to traders in the area seeking their views on a series of proposals.
It is hoped the plans would add extra capacity for businesses and shoppers and reduce the number of vehicles parking illegally and inconsiderately on the cycle path and in loading bays.
The proposed changes are in response to feedback from traders and members of the public and, if approved, would see four new spaces created in and around West Blackhall Street and a 45 per cent increase in daily parking availability by altering the current parking time limit.
Councillor Michael McCormick, Inverclyde Council’s convener of environment and regeneration, said: “The West Blackhall Street redevelopment has transformed a tired and disjointed area into a more welcoming and accessible environment for everyone and that’s something we should be proud of.
“But we have listened to the concerns about the challenges with parking, deliveries and inconsiderate parking, especially on the cycle path, and that’s why officers have developed a series of changes that could be made relatively quickly to alleviate some of those pressures.
“It’s important that businesses have the opportunity to have their say on the proposals and provide feedback about any further improvements that could be made.”
The plans include:
Increasing Turnover
Introduce a one-hour maximum stay within the town centre (instead of the current two hours) on West Blackhall Street, Westburn Street, Nicolson Street, Laird Street, Argyll Street, Jamaica Street, Kilblain Street, Nelson Street, Dalrymple Street, Grey Place and Haig Street. This would significantly increase the number of visitors who can access the town centre each day.
Better Use of Loading Bays
By allowing loading bays to operate as parking spaces after 10am, this could create 15 additional parking spaces across the town centre, an increase of around 15 per cent, while still protecting essential delivery access for businesses between 8am and 10am.
The council have given a comparison of parking availability on West Blackhall Street, Westburn Street, Nicolson Street, Laird Street, Argyll Street and Jamaica Street:
Pre-redevelopment: 540 vehicles per day
Current: 392 vehicles per day
Proposed: up to 784 vehicles per day
Creating Additional Spaces
Dalrymple Street: Three new parking spaces opposite Word Up.
Jamaica Street: One additional space near the junction with West Blackhall Street.
During the town centre redevelopment, an additional two disabled bays were added.
Businesses have until Tuesday 30 June to provide feedback.
If there is broad support, they would initially be introduced under a Temporary Traffic Regulation Order, which would allow for the impact of the changes to be monitored and adjustments made if required.
