Major Greenock redevelopment 'gathering pace' as diversion routes revealed

A major redevelopment initiative in Greenock is “starting to gather pace” after Inverclyde Council published the planned diversion routes.

The £24m project, led by the local authority and funded by the UK Government, will include the demolition of Hector McNeil House, the eastern section of the Oak Mall Shopping Centre, Bullring Roundabout and A78 flyover at High Street.

There will be a new Oak Mall entrance, signalised junctions, pedestrian crossings linking the town centre to the waterfront and public spaces.

Council leader Stephen McCabe said: “The Central Greenock project is now really starting to gather pace and we will be seeing a lot more movement in and around the key project sites in the coming days, weeks and months.

“With a project of this size and scale, there is going to be disruption during the various phases, but council officers are working closely with the main contractors and partner organisations to keep disruption to a minimum and ensure there are regular updates for residents, businesses and the wider public.

“The aim of the project is to build on the good work that’s been done to date and continue the modernisation of Greenock town centre to make it a more open, accessible and welcoming place for everyone.”

With the main roadworks due to start in spring, diversion routes have been identified to provide an alternative option for those looking to either bypass the town centre and continue their journey on the A78 south or carry on through the town centre to Gourock, Port Glasgow and beyond.

The diversion route will direct road users along Container Way through to Inverkip Road and on Ratho Street onto Inverkip Road.

To help the road network cope with the increased traffic, improvements, new crossing points and additional traffic management have been put in place.

This includes the installation of mini-roundabouts at the Container Way and Dalrymple Street sides of Laird Street to improve access and support better traffic flow when the Container Way diversion route is in use.

Ratho Street has also been realigned to improve flow of traffic to and from the A8 and traffic lights and a pedestrian crossing installed on Dunlop Street at Notre Dame High School to enhance road safety for pupils, staff and residents.

Contractors were due to start on site on Friday, with the whole project scheduled for completion by autumn 2027.

Work will be completed in phases and access to the town centre will be maintained.