THE public will be able to have their say on a £14 million extension of Greenock Ocean Terminal.

A consultation event will be held at South West Library on Thursday May 11 from 3-7pm for people to give their views on proposals to expand the quayside and create a dedicated berth for cruise ships.

It is being hosted by terminal operators Clydeport, which is part of the Peel Group, to gauge public opinion before a formal planning application is lodged.

The long-awaited development – part of the Glasgow and Clyde Valley City Deal project – is about to get under way after a series of delays.

Work is expected to start this autumn – a year later than originally planned.

The city deal initiative features three major infrastructure projects in Inverclyde.

The others involve upgrading worth £3.8 million at Inverkip to build a roundabout and improve the junction into the former power station site, to pave the way for a major housing development.

A further investment of around £9m will be ploughed in to establishing a ‘renewables hub’ at Inchgreen dry-dock.

The Ocean Terminal work is designed to address capacity issues as its success as a cruise and commercial hub continues apace, with tourist firms now booking berths up to two years in advance amid stiff competition.

Members of the public who want more information about the Ocean Terminal plans can contact Magdalena Wachowska at civil engineering firm Arch Henderson.

They can email mwachowska@arch-henderson.co.uk or write to 142 St Vincent Street, Glasgow, G2 5LA. Any comments must be made, in writing to either address, by no later than May 29.