Greenock Telegraph | News | £720k jobs boost in revamp

Friday, 9th January, 2009

Published: Wednesday, 8th October, 2008 12:30

£720k jobs boost in revamp

By Eric Baxter

SIXTY jobs could be created in Greenock when a business centre is spruced up at a cost of £720,000.

Ladyburn Business Centre, next to Pottery Street, is being refurbished to provide space for social enterprise companies and the voluntary sector, as well as studio space for visual artists.

It is being done by urban regeneration company Riverside Inverclyde, which recently started work on an adjacent Riverside Business Park site to build £4.5 million offices which could create a further 200 jobs.

Bill Nicol, chief executive of Riverside Inverclyde, said today: “There are currently about 100 people working at the Ladyburn centre and we expect another 60 when this work is completed.

“The project will also feature an 85-foot sculpture by world-renowned sculptor Keith McCarter, as well as stained-glass windows designed by local stained-glass artist Alec Galloway.

“We are converting the building into a centre for social enterprise and the voluntary sector.

“We are keen to work with existing companies in the area and bring in new companies.

“Despite a wealth of artistic talent in Inverclyde, there has to date been a lack of suitable and affordable workspace for artists.”

The former Ladyburn School was built in 1930 and acquired by Riverside Inverclyde in March this year. Refurbishment is scheduled to be completed in March next year.

In charge of construction are Inverclyde company WH Kirkwood, whose managing director, Iain McNaughton, said: “The project gives not only the opportunity for a local business but also gives the opportunity for local employment.”

Inverclyde Council leader Stephen McCabe said: “This is positive news. It shows Riverside Inverclyde is starting to deliver for us.”

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