WORK could start in October on the multi-million pound scheme to regenerate Gourock town centre and build a new road.

And the storm-damaged Kempock Street car park wall, pictured, could be repaired at the same time as the £4.7m project, which is being handled by Inverclyde Council in partnership with regeneration company Riverside Inverclyde.

A new report to councillors on the environment and regeneration committee reveals the likely beginning of the pier and railhead development.

It states: ‘Riverside Inverclyde continue to progress the negotiations and consultations with various parties to allow the contract to be let. It is anticipated a site start will be possible by October 2014.’ Work is expected to take almost a year, and will involve re-routing eastbound Kempock Street traffic on to a new road to be built between the street and the shore.

Councillors are being asked to approve the name ‘Lower Kempock Street’ for the new road.

Local community councillors and ward councillors have been consulted, and there were no objections.

It will link up with Kempock Street at Gourock Pool and Shore Street.

Kempock Street will handle only one-way west-bound traffic, in a move which regeneration chiefs say will ease congestion and car parking problems.

The development also includes an increase in the number of overall car parking spaces from about 340 to 400, a new public space and small boat launch facility at the pierhead and a re-design of public areas at each end of Kempock Street.

Meanwhile, work is to be speeded up on the storm-damaged Kempock Street car park sea wall, which has led to part of the car park being sealed off.

It was feared the project would not get under way until next spring because of possible problems with winter weather, as well as the time taken to get all the necessary planning permissions in place.

But a report to the committee states: ‘Due to the condition of the sea wall, further discussions have taken place with Marine Scotland and Riverside Inverclyde, who are currently establishing the feasibility of incorporating the works within the main Gourock development contract.

‘If this is feasible, then it is possible the works could commence in autumn, but this has yet to be confirmed.’ Council leader Stephen McCabe says this is an important milestone for a project which represents the biggest single investment in Gourock for many years.

Councillor McCabe said: “I am confident the plans have taken the view of local people and businesses on board and have come up with the best possible solution.

“It is vital that we improve the shopping and visiting experience for people, while ensuring local businesses and traders benefit.”