James Watt Dock LLP, a partnership between regeneration specialists Peel Waters and Riverside Inverclyde, has sold the site to Glasgow Arts Centre Limited.

The landmark crane on site is earmarked for an ambitious project that could become the longest urban zip slide in the UK.

Subject to planning approval, development will proceed in three carefully phased stages:

• Phase 1: Sheds C & D and the Crane
• Phase 2: Sheds A & B
• Phase 3: The Boat Yard Area

Ownership of each phase will only be transferred following the successful completion of the previous phase, underlining a shared commitment between James Watt Dock LLP and Glasgow Arts Centre Limited to ensure high-quality delivery and preservation of the site’s heritage. This structured drawdown approach helps safeguard the future of the listed structures while enabling a bold new chapter for the docklands.

Glasgow Arts Centre Limited focuses on rescuing and renovating buildings that have architectural merit or that are important to Glasgow’s heritage, repurposing them for use by the community, artists and small businesses. It is led by director Bradley Mitchell, whose cultural development portfolio includes Britannia Panopticon; Barclay Curle shipyard and Crane and the transformation of several developments along Washington Street, Glasgow into a bustling creative studio area for artists, musicians, producers and creatives.

The sale complements the continued success of the existing James Watt Dock Marina, which remains a key asset within the Inverclyde waterfront.

Brian Lavalette, property director for Scotland at Peel Waters and member of the James Watt Dock LLP board, said: “This is an exciting moment for the Inverclyde waterfront. Glasgow Arts Centre Limited brings imagination, experience and a genuine commitment to heritage-led development. We look forward to seeing the plans evolve and the site flourish.”

Councillor Stephen McCabe, leader of Inverclyde Council, added: “This is a significant moment not just for the historic Sugar Sheds and iconic Titan Crane but for the ongoing regeneration of Inverclyde.

“I’m delighted to welcome Glasgow Arts Centre Ltd as the new owner of these famous landmarks and their proposals to redevelop the site has the potential to create an exciting new attraction to encourage even more people, near and far, to discover Inverclyde and the many great things we have to offer.”

Bradley Mitchell, director of Glasgow Arts Centre Limited, said: “We’re delighted to begin this journey at James Watt Dock. Our vision is one that blends ambition with sensitivity to the site’s rich history, creating something exceptional for locals and visitors alike.

“We have a lot of history along the Clyde and I would like to connect Greenock to Glasgow through culture and heritage. We feel the site has a lot of potential for small businesses and start-ups and could be something really exciting for Greenock.”

Planning for the Sugar Sheds development is expected to be submitted to Inverclyde Council in early autumn 2025.