The first phase of a major scheme to improve Greenock Town Centre has been approved.

Nine applications to refurbish existing shop fronts on Cathcart Street have been granted by Inverclyde Council's Planning Board.

Board Chair Councillor David Wilson said: "This is just the start of the investment in Greenock Town Centre following the successful bid by the council, Riverside Inverclyde and their partners for a share of the Scottish government’s Town Centre Regeneration Fund.


"It is testimony to how detailed the bid was that Riverside Inverclyde have been able to get to the planning stage so quickly."

The works will include the fitting of a new hardwood profile finished in black to existing window frames.

In July, Greenock was awarded £1.32 million from the Town Centre Regeneration Fund. Two further successful applications were made last month for Gourock and Port Glasgow totalling £900,000.

Regeneration Convener Councillor Jim Clocherty said: "The regeneration of Inverclyde is really starting to gather pace and soon people will start noticing a difference. We want to take pride in our town centres and make them accessible and attractive places to live, work and shop."

(GK/KMcA)