Start date for Central Greenock redevelopment announced

Hoarding has this week gone up around Hector McNeil House as preparations start for the main physical works of the project, which is largely funded by the UK Government from the former Levelling Up Fund.

The Central Greenock redevelopment will be carried out in phases starting with the demolition of Hector McNeil House in January 2026. 

That will be followed by the demolition of the eastern section of the Oak Mall, A78 High Street flyover, and the Bullring Roundabout, which are all in a poor condition. 

The main roadworks phase of the redevelopment will follow with a new low-level road and signalised junction installed to replace the flyover and roundabout.

A fresh Oak Mall entrance, additional public areas, and more greenspaces will also be created as part of the project.

There will be access to and from Greenock Town Centre for traffic, public transport, and pedestrians throughout the project. 

Diversions will be in place during key stages when work is taking place on the A78 at High Street and other routes around the Bullring.

A full programme of key dates, diversion routes, and further public engagement will follow shortly.

The whole Central Greenock transformation project is scheduled for completion in 2027.

A new dedicated website has been launched for residents, businesses, and visitors to find out more about the project and keep up to date with the latest developments.

Councillor Stephen McCabe, leader of Inverclyde Council, said: “A huge amount of work has gone into this project already to get us to the stage we are at now with the first phase of the main physical works now due to begin early in the new year.

“The redevelopment will remove ageing and outdated infrastructure and modernise Greenock Town Centre to make it a more attractive place to live, work, visit and do business. 

“It will lay the foundations for further external investment and regeneration in Central Greenock, including through the Place for Neighbourhoods project.

“Unfortunately, disruption is unavoidable, but council officers are working closely with the main contractors and various partner organisations to keep disruption to an absolute minimum and ensure Greenock and Inverclyde remains open and accessible during the various stages of the project.”

He added: “But this is the biggest project of its kind in a generation and an opportunity to build upon other major improvements, including the new Ocean Terminal building and the West Blackhall Street redevelopment, to make a positive and long-lasting difference to central Greenock. 

“I hope people will share in this positive outlook for the town and get behind Greenock.”

Inverclyde Council has secured £19.39m from the UK Government grant towards the redevelopment with the remaining £4.19m sourced from various external funding pots and the council’s capital reserves.

The project is designed to remove and replace ageing infrastructure, improve links between various parts of the town centre and the waterfront, improve the retail space, and create new civic spaces.

The redevelopment will also pave the way for further investment in central Greenock through the UK Government-funded £20m Plans for Neighbourhoods project (formerly Towns Fund) and unlock potential for further regeneration.

The project has been progressing behind the scenes with extensive planning, design and engagement with the large number of partners organisations involved.

Some initial works and site investigations have also been carried out.