Inverclyde Council’s Regeneration Committee has agreed to sell a triangle of land to Network Rail to allow the company to press ahead with a

major revamp of the station.

The land sale now means that wider plans for the regeneration of Gourock can be considered.

The development will include a new station, improved access for buses and taxis as well as the demolition of several redundant buildings.

The number of car parking spaces will also be increased to 111.

Regeneration Convener Councillor Jim Clocherty said: “This is a significant moment in the long-term future of Gourock. Network Rail can now build their new station in a way that maximises the potential for regeneration around the pier head. Discussions are ongoing with Network Rail about how best to use surrounding land owned by the company and the Council.”

The council will work in partnership with local urban regeneration company, Riverside Inverclyde to come up with a master plan to transform of the station area.

Riverside Inverclyde has a proven track record in Greenock and Port Glasgow, including the £180m regeneration of the James Watt Dock and the historic Sugar Sheds.

Planning permission for the new train station was granted in September.

It is hoped the plans will help breath fresh life into the town.