A CAMPAIGN to keep the Sugar Sheds for the use of the Inverclyde community has been launched online.

More than 2,000 people have backed the bid and hundreds have signed a petition on the Facebook site - www.facebook.com/sugarsheds The success of the Tall Ships event over the weekend where the historic building was opened to the public appears to have inspired the drive to preserve the warehouse as an events or concert venue or museum to explore the rich heritage of Inverclyde's industrial past.

Riverside Inverclyde and Clydeport propose to develop part of the site into a multi-level business centre, gallery space, with a ground level café bar overlooking James Watt Dock. Luxury housing is also planned on the site but not within the building itself.

Several people have posted comments and suggestions on the Keep Greenock's Sugar Sheds a Community Space.

Amanda Lang said: "It would be amazing as a big events venue. I wouldn't change much - just stick some toilets in and a kitchen maybe. A cracking sound system and a good stage with some lighting and your pretty much done. The rustic look works." Greenock-born artist Alex Galloway, who designed stained glass artwork for the building in 2007, said: "The response I got from the public was overwhelming, everyone who saw it thought the building was perfect for use as a creative space.

"I think the atmosphere in the place is electric. So much history - Inverclyde history." Diane McAllister said it could be the new Kelvingrove Art Gallery or a wedding venue or a comedy club.

While Chris Smith said: "Someone mentioned The Arches, but in Greenock. That is actually not a bad idea. The Arches is an amazing club. It is also an arts venue, theatre and available for smaller more intimate gigs, and can make even more money by being hired out for corporate events.

"Unfortunately, I can see them as being luxury apartments and/or a hotel. However, in my opinion it would be much better it was used for something the whole community can enjoy as it is part of our history." Meanwhile Chris Burrows suggests a Tate Scotland.

He said: "Given the building's connections to Tate and Lyle, has anyone ever investigated the potential for a branch of the Tate Gallery (Tate Scotland)? I'm pretty sure Dundee has just landed a Scottish branch of the Victoria and Albert Museum. If they can do it, why can't we?" Angela Slaven, who signed the petition, said: "I would love this to be a new venue for the local communities to use and to attract entertainment. It would help with the regeneration of the waterfront and create local jobs for local people this time." Bill Nicol, director and chairman of James Watt Dock Ltd Liability Partnership, welcomed the debate.

He said: "The Tall Ships festival allowed people access to the Sugar Sheds and this resonated with locals. I "It is great this has stimulated a debate.

"In the short term, it is our intention to use it for that kind of activity.

"The building will be for multi-use, for leisure and recreational activities and there will be public access and we have made a few inquiries to different operators over the use of the building.

"I welcome the debate about it. It's good to get people's views because these are important buildings for Inverclyde and the community."