GOUROCK town centre is undergoing what has been described as a once in a lifetime regeneration.

But Inverclyde Council and regeneration bosses are urging shoppers to remember that local shops, cafes and businesses are still open as usual.

The work started in November last year, when construction firm RJ McLeod was appointed by delivery agent, Riverside Inverclyde.

The £5.2 million Gourock pierhead regeneration project, funded by Inverclyde Council, will create a new landscaped waterfront ‘public realm’ space, a new bypass road and additional car parking spaces.

The sea wall will be repaired, and new drainage, paving, lighting and street furniture provided.

Inverclyde Council’s regeneration vice convener, Councillor Jim Clocherty, pictured inset, welcomed the project.

He said: “The Gourock regeneration scheme is a significant investment. Residents, visitors and local businesses will be delighted to see the work moving on apace.” The councillor continued: “While this work is going on, I’d urge shoppers to remember that Gourock is well and truly open for business. There are plenty of great reasons to visit Gourock and enjoy the shops and cafes.

“Only last year, it was reported that Gourock was second only to Perth as one of the best town centres in Scotland for its variety of specialist shops.” Phase two of the regeneration scheme is now under way.

Work on the Kempock Street car park entered a new phase in early June. The first area of the car park on reclaimed ground at the station end of the site has opened, providing more than 20 much-needed spaces.

As construction of the exit of the new east-bound carriageway at Station Road nears completion, work has started on the next part of the new road.

This will run to the rear of the buildings between 32 - 52 Kempock Street (Sainsbury’s and The Seagull Gallery) and connect to the section crossing the infilled beach.

Work to strengthen the sea wall is also moving forward.

Rock armour built up along the length of the wall will dissipate the force of waves and reduce further damage to the existing sea wall.

The rock armour forms a platform which acts as a base from which work has started to strengthen the outer face of the sea wall.

Once this is complete, the parking spaces on the seaward site of Kempock Street car park will re-open.