GLASGOW City Region Deal will provide funding of £14.7 million to develop a new cruise ship berth on the banks of the Clyde at Greenock.

The Greenock Ocean Terminal project aims to create an iconic visitor centre and berthing facility to boost cruise ship passengers and tourism.

The plans also include a purpose-built gallery celebrating the work of Inverclyde resident and artist George Wyllie (1921-2012) and a new restaurant with panoramic views across the Clyde.

As part of the outline business case published by Inverclyde Council, it is estimated that over 150,000 passengers could pass through Greenock Ocean Terminal delivering £26m in annual visitor and crew spend to the Scottish economy.

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The proposals were approved at a planning meeting this week.

Councillor Luciano Rebecchi said: “I am certainly pleased we are doing something to boost tourism in the area.

“I am delighted this plan will encourage more tourists to the area.”
Following the meeting the leader of Inverclyde Council said this was an important milestone in the town’s history.

Councillor Stephen McCabe said: “Planning application approval is an important milestone in the delivery of this project.

“The aim of the project is to boost the capacity at Greenock Ocean Terminal for cruise ships.

“The addition of a restaurant and Wyllie Gallery will help to provide a year-round attraction for visitors to Greenock to enjoy.

“As a key City Deal project, the new visitor centre at Greenock Ocean Terminal aims to make a significant contribution to economic growth and international tourism across the wider city region area.”

Councillor David Wilson, Inverclyde planning board convener, also welcomed the approval of the planning application.

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He said: “Inverclyde has a great deal to offer the visitor whether coming to Scotland by cruise ship from all over the world or visiting from other parts of the United Kingdom.

“The economic value of the cruise ship sector to Scotland is a key part of this project and its value to the country, particularly with the potential to substantially grow in future years, should not be underestimated.”

It is hoped the visitor centre will be completed by 2020.