Aerial view of the Central Greenock project site

The progress comes after the demolition of Hector McNeil House, delivered during May.

It is now full steam ahead with the construction phase of the project, which is being delivered by Inverclyde Council and is mostly funded by the UK Government. 

Main contractors, Balfour Beatty, are focusing on developing a new low-level road, signalised junctions and pedestrian crossings in the place of the flyover and Bullring Roundabout.

They will also deliver a temporary, weatherproof façade at the eastern entrance to the Oak Mall before a new, permanent frontage is introduced at a later date.

In the meantime, entry to the town centre will stay open, including between Container Way and Dalrymple Street via the Bullring.

Councillor Stephen McCabe, leader of Inverclyde Council, said: “The Central Greenock project is really moving at pace and with these demolition works nearing completion, it is another key milestone in this important modernisation of the town centre.

“The transformation thus far is remarkable and you can really see one of the key aims of the project – to open up the town centre – starting to take shape.”

The temporary road measures on the Bullring are anticipated to be in place until July next year. 

After this, the traffic management will be altered to allow for the demolition of the north side of the Bullring.

All roadworks are scheduled to be completed by late next year, and more information concerning phase two will be available closer to the time. 

An alternative route remains open between Ratho Street and Barr’s Cottage for the period of the roadworks, including as a diversion for traffic that would normally travel along the A78 High Street.

A variety of improvements were made and temporary measures were brought in across the roads networks in the run-up to the main roadworks phase of the project, which began at the end of July.

The Central Greenock redevelopment has been introduced to open up the town centre and enhance access for pedestrians and vehicles, such as to and from the waterfront, while removing old and underused infrastructure.