AN ambitious £22million bid to the UK Government’s Levelling Up Fund to transform the heart of Greenock Town Centre is getting support from the community.
An Inverclyde Council survey received more than 500 responses with an average 81 per cent support rate.
People were asked about the various elements of the proposal which would see the removal of Bullring Roundabout, the A8 being brought to ground level at High Street, a 40 per cent reduction in the Oak Mall, a new civic space, housing and learning/college facility and a new cultural quarter centred around the Glebe Building in Crawfurd Street.
Around 80 per cent of respondents supported the road changes which would create easier access into the town centre.
About 88 per cent of respondents were in favour of the mall downsizing which would also involve changes to make shops outward looking to create a functional heart to the town centre and improve the links between each side of the town centre and the waterfront.
Three quarters back removal of Hector McNeil House (the former Central Library) and creation of a new civic space for a more open look to the town centre and the construction of a further education campus and housing in the town centre.
A cultural centre/quarter centred around the Glebe Building attracted 85 per cent support.
Inverclyde Council’s environment and regeneration convener, Councillor Michael McCormick, said: “It is very encouraging that people have taken the time to support the proposals in the council’s ambitious bid to the UK Levelling Up Fund.
“The aim of the bid is to tap into national funding to bring about real transformation of the town centre in Greenock.
“The proposals would aim to ensure the sustainability of the town centre, and open up and create better links and improve access into Greenock for visitors and residents.”
The Levelling Up Fund bid for Greenock is currently being finalised by Inverclyde Council.
The original submission deadline of 6 July 2022 for bids from across the UK has been pushed back while a new online portal is finalised to allow bids to be uploaded electronically.
