A MAJOR £185,000 project is under way to make Greenock one of Scotland’s first 'smart towns' with free public wifi.

The work is expected to be completed by the end of autumn.

Inverclyde Council has awarded the contract to install the system as part of a £1.9m regeneration package for the town centre.

Capita has been awarded the contract by the council and will work with Riverside Inverclyde on the venture.

The firm's Joe Hemming believes the installation of free wifi will be a big boost for businesses and their customers.

He said: “Internet access is fast becoming an essential commodity.

"Making this freely available in public spaces can make a fundamental difference to citizens, be it students learning, families accessing childcare support or people finding jobs or managing their everyday finances via online banking."

Depute council leader Jim Clocherty, who chairs Greenock Regeneration Forum believes the system will bring people into the heart of the town..

He said: “This is an ambitious and innovative project which will deliver a digital step-change for the town centre to support other projects, including the expansion of Greenock Ocean Terminal and the regeneration of West Blackhall Street.

“The new system will address a number of key strategic priorities including improving digital inclusion and participation, regenerating the town centre, stimulating employment, economic growth, tackling poverty and cementing Inverclyde’s position as the marine leisure capital of Scotland.”

Riverside Inverclyde will design and deliver the secure and fully managed wireless solution.

Fiona Maguire, chief executive of Riverside Inverclyde, said: “We are delighted to support the digital transformation strategy for the area through the delivery of smart town technology for Greenock town centre.

“Free wifi was one of the initial outcomes from the Greenock town centre charrette consultation process and is just one of many digital opportunities available to us as a result of the installation of this exciting digital infrastructure.”